Washington—According to reports, the Trump administration will propose allowing up to 1.8 million illegal immigrants that came to America before they were adults to gain legal status and ultimately citizenship. A White House official reportedly said the plan includes “the DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] population, plus individuals who failed to apply for DACA but otherwise met the requirements, as well as adjustments in time frame that would bring the total maximum population size to 1.8 million.” Heritage Action released the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Needham:
“Amnesty comes in many forms, but it seems they all eventually grow in size and scope. Any proposal that expands the amnesty-eligible population risks opening pandora’s box, and could lead to a Gang of Eight style negotiation. That should be a non-starter.”
Last week, the Trump administration threw cold water on a left-wing Senate proposal that would have granted citizenship for over 3 million illegal immigrants, noting the number was “nearly five times larger than the population of DACA recipients.” Heritage Action’s Needham continued:
“If any amnesty negotiations are to take place, they should remain extremely limited in scope so as not to encourage further illegal immigration. It is imperative President Trump hold firm to his commitment to eliminate chain migration. Voters overwhelmingly agree with his position that immigration should be based on merit, not whether a distant relative holds a green card.”
Related:
Real Clear Politics: Why Conservatives Are Proposing a DACA Deal
Fox News Sunday: Shutdown Showdown Is Actually About Chain Migration, Not DACA
Heritage Action: Democrats’ Amnesty Shutdown
Heritage Action: Time to Shut Down Chain Migration
Heritage Action: Harvard Poll Finds Public Supports Ending Chain Migration