Trump’s recollection of the immigration bill
By Cody Andrus
Trump’s recent attempts to rewrite history about immigration reform have been contradicted by both Republicans and Democrats who were involved in the legislative process. During his presidency, Trump had the opportunity to pass comprehensive immigration reform but chose to obstruct it. Now, as he seeks to regain political footing, he falsely claims that Democrats are responsible for killing the immigration bill.
In early 2018, bipartisan efforts were underway to address the status of DACA recipients and border security. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) had co-authored a bill that aimed to protect young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children while allocating funds for border security. The bill had support from moderate Republicans and Democrats, but Trump ultimately rejected the deal. According to Graham, Trump’s refusal to back the proposal stemmed from his insistence on broader immigration restrictions, including drastic cuts to legal immigration and the dismantling of the diversity visa lottery.
Rather than accept a compromise, Trump issued a list of hardline demands. He sought $25 billion for his proposed border wall, limits on family-based immigration, and an end to the visa lottery system. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) even offered to fund the wall in exchange for DACA protections, but Trump moved the goalposts by demanding additional concessions. Ultimately, his unwillingness to negotiate derailed the talks, and the bipartisan bill collapsed.
Despite Trump’s claims, it was not the Democrats who blocked the reform. Instead, it was Trump’s shifting demands and refusal to compromise that doomed the bill. Senator Durbin, reflecting on the failed negotiations, remarked that Trump’s refusal to accept even modest changes to immigration policy showed a lack of interest in real reform.
Trump’s rhetoric on immigration has continued to stoke division. During a recent rally, Trump blamed the Democrats for obstructing reform, stating, “They didn’t want to do anything. They’re the ones who killed it.” Yet, sources close to the negotiations and public records reveal a different story: Trump’s insistence on extreme measures was absolutely the primary cause of the impasse.
Slate, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Politico, The Washington Post, Brookings.
