Trump: I'd love a shutdown if there's no immigration deal
Presently, US lawmakers are trying to finalize a deal that avoids stopping of federal operations. However, President Donald Trump isn't making their task easier. He is ready to welcome another government shutdown if Democrats refuse to his demand of overhauling US's immigration system. He gave this statement while discussing about MS-13, a predominantly Latino gang who are illegal immigrants. Here's more on this issue.
First off, what is a government shutdown?
Government shutdown implies closing down of non-essential discretionary federal programs, when Congress fails to appropriate funds. Subsequently, the Congress enacts a continuing funding resolution. If they can't agree on one, it indicates a breakdown of the complete budget process. During a shutdown, discretionary budget-funded federal departments like commerce, education, healthcare etc are locked out. Only essential services like defense and national security remain on.
What was the earlier shutdown in January about?
On January 20, the federal government faced a shutdown. The Republican majority couldn't convince enough Democrats to vote for a bill extending spending in the Senate. The latter wanted the bill to protect illegal immigrants' children (Dreamers) under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA). Trump's immigration plan will end the program in February. On January 22, Senate passed the continuing resolution.
Now, what is Trump's argument?
Trump's immigration policy clamps down on "chain migration," wherein individuals help family members migrate to US. He also wants to end the visa lottery and provide merit-based visas. Further, he has paved the way for granting citizenship to 1.8mn immigrants. This will roughly include 8L "Dreamers." Defending his policy, Trump said if loopholes in the legislation aren't tapped, "killers" will continue entering the country.
What is the position of the Democrats?
Democrats said Trump's comments wanting a shutdown "speak for itself." They added "We had one Trump shutdown, nobody wants another, maybe except him." Meanwhile, Trump has also been advocating an increase in the defense budget. On this, Democrats are insisting that an increase in military funds be matched with additional domestic spending. Moreover, they are adamant on protecting all immigrants under the Obama-era DACA.
What is the current situation of the long-term budget deal?
At this point in time, lawmakers are almost close to an agreement on the long-term budget deal. The continuing resolution ends on February 8 at midnight. The agreement increases spending by $300bn over the next two years. In this, defense and domestic programs will have a 50-50% budget. However, it doesn't include either an immigration plan or solution for the DACA recipients.
