WASHINGTON (AP) – Struggling to find the votes to pass a sweeping immigration overhaul, House Republicans are narrowing on a slimmed down bill to stem the crisis of separating immigrant families at the border.
But even that more modest measure hit uncertainty Monday. President Donald Trump rejected one top idea – adding more immigration judges – insisting it would only lead to graft even though supporters say the step could help expedite the logjam of claims that can prolong detentions.
With Congress wavering on the next moves, it’s uncertain if lawmakers will be able to swiftly act on any bills to address the border crisis despite an outpouring of public concern over reports of immigrant children being separated from their parents.
“We want a system where, when people come in illegally, they have to go out,” Trump said Monday during an event at the White House. “A nice simple system that works.”
House Republicans were set to meet Tuesday behind closed doors to map out their options for taking action before lawmakers leave town at the end of the week for the Fourth of July holiday recess.