According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday (the 25th), the White House has proposed a plan to the leaders of both parties in the Senate to provide a path to citizenship for 1.8 million "Dreamers." Other components of the plan include strengthening border security and eliminating chain immigration and the green card lottery. Senior aides to President Trump informed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that the President would sign legislation if the results of bipartisan negotiations include these elements.
The plan requires Congress to limit family-based immigration to only the spouses and minor children of immigrants, excluding parents, siblings, and other family members.
"For the President, this is a bottom line," a senior official told reporters, noting that some details will be determined by members of Congress.
The White House estimates that approximately 700,000 people had previously applied for DACA protection, and there are many more undocumented immigrants who qualify but have not applied. This plan would apply to all Dreamers, estimated at approximately 1.8 million people. They would require 10 to 12 years to obtain citizenship and must be employed and have no criminal record.
Reuters reported that the White House hopes the Senate will vote on this plan, which President Trump has agreed to, in early February. It also requests that Congress establish a $25 billion "trust fund" to serve as funding for the future construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall and the strengthening of the U.S.-Canada border.
McConnell stated that President Trump's plan helps resolve the stalemate in negotiations over the federal budget and DACA. He intends to introduce a bill and hold a vote during the week of February 5th, hoping that "as the Senate continues its discussion on immigration, members of both parties can reach an agreement within the framework of this plan."
Republican Senator Thom Tillis praised the "pragmatic plan" proposed by President Trump, stating that it "puts forward policies that both parties and the American people will support."
However, the road to future negotiations remains fraught with difficulties, and whether McConnell can secure the 60 votes required to pass the bill remains a significant challenge.