In his second televised address to the nation, President Trump doubled down on his previous statements regarding drugs and crime coming through the U.S. border with Mexico. But he brought some new offers to the table in order to get the $5.7 billion that he is requesting for his border wall as well.
“As a candidate, I promised to fix the immigration crisis at the border. As President, I intend to keep that promise, one way or another,” Trump said, urging both sides to, “reach across the aisle” and compromise on border security.
“I am here today to break the logjam and provide Congress with a path forward.”
According to Trump, today’s proposal, “incorporates the priorities of rank and file Democrats,” and he expressed hope that they would respond with “enthusiastic support.” He also said the plan is a “fair, reasonable, common sense compromise” between what Republicans and Democrats have stated they want in negotiations since the shutdown began.
The eight-point plan outlined by President Trump includes:
- 800 mil in urgent humanitarian assistance
- 805 for drug detection tech
- additional 2750 border agents and law enforcement
- 75 new immigration judge teams
- Critical measures to protect migrant children from exploitation and abuse, including allowing central american children to apply for asylum from within their country
- 5.7b for the strategic deployment of physical barrier – wall. “These are steel barriers in high priority locations. Much of the border is already protected by natural barriers, and we already have miles of barrier already in place. This will add another 230 miles.
- 3 years of legislative relief for 700k DACA recipients. work permits, ssns, and protection from deportation
- 3 years of temporary protective status – 300k immigrants
Mitch Mcconnel is expected to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate next week, though it’s currently unclear whether it will pass the Democratically-controlled House of Representatives.
