Many conservatives are outraged President Donald Trump is working across the aisle with Democrats Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi on a deal to protect young undocumented immigrants. But Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, is encouraged.
“People of all political stripes agree that our immigration system is broken, and both parties should be involved in fixing the problems it’s created,” said Angeline Riesterer, Herrera Beutler’s spokeswoman. “By all reports, a final deal has yet to be struck and presented to Congress, but nothing being discussed includes a path to citizenship for DACA participants.”
Trump used the phrase “allowing people to stay here” to indicate the fate of the so-called Dreamers.
“In his statements, the president said he does not favor punishing children for the actions of their parents and Jaime agrees with that,” Riesterer said.
Discrepancies have surfaced when it comes to the inclusion of a border wall as part of the DACA protections package. Trump tweeted early Thursday morning that the wall is required to move forward with immigrant protections.
“No deal was made last night on DACA. Massive border security would have to be agreed to in exchange for consent. Would be subject to vote,” the tweet read.
Schumer and Pelosi issued a statement following the president’s tweet.
“While both sides agreed that the wall would not be any part of this agreement, the president made clear he intends to pursue it at a later time, and we made clear we would continue to oppose it.”
Since that statement was released, Trump told reporters the wall will in fact come later.
When asked Herrera Beutler’s preference, Riesterer said the congresswoman would “prefer a solution for DACA recipients is included with a package that also includes increased border security.”
The congresswoman has been a supporter of Trump’s calls for a border wall.
