US Senate rejects immigration bills: Dreamers left in a lurch
What will happen to the "Dreamers?" The question on everyone's mind fails to be answered despite a week of rare open debate in the US Senate. Though a bipartisan bill proposed a middle path, it was struck down by President Donald Trump's threats to veto it. Trump's own bill fell short of the required votes. So, what does this imply? We elaborate.
What is the issue surrounding the "Dreamers?"
"Dreamers" are immigrants brought to the US illegally as children. Trump suspended the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA gave them the ability to live/work in the US for renewable two-year periods. Trump's suspension allowed the Congress to come up with a permanent legislative fix for the issue until March 5. But, without a deal, there is growing risk of deportation.
What had Trump's hard-line immigration bill proposed?
Trump's proposal allowed for granting citizenship to 1.8mn young immigrants, a key Democrats' demand. However, it also included a $25bn border wall with Mexico and other security measures; tighter curbs on chain migration, that is, legal immigrants sponsoring relatives; an end to the visa lottery and an emphasis on merit-based immigration. This proposal was voted 60-39 against, with 14 Republicans joining 46 Democrats.
What were the other bills?
Separately, one bipartisan bill proposed a citizenship path for Dreamers, $25bn for border security measures and restrictions on immigration. Trump threatened to veto it. Another suggested "conditional permanent residence" to DACA recipients, if they meet certain qualifications and grants for border security activities. Third up, a proposal cutting-off grants to alleged "sanctuary cities" that don't share immigration information. All the proposals were rejected.
What were the reactions to the rejections within the Senate?
The rejection of four separate proposals indicated Congress's steep challenge of reaching a deal on a contentious issue as leaders refuse to compromise on their positions. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham claimed only way forward is for Trump to "lead us to a solution." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, blamed the Democrats for refusing what he called was a "generous" offer from Trump.
What does this mean for the "Dreamers?"
With the March 5 deadline looming large, will "Dreamers" have to pack up their bags? Republican leader John Cornyn said that now lawmakers might consider temporarily protecting Dreamers from deportation in a spending measure that Congress will consider next month. Meanwhile, this also puts a pause on efforts to remove the per country cap on green card, which would benefit several high-skilled Indian professionals.
