Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

President Trump's Rumored Potential Border Wall Deal
Townhall.com ^ | January 19, 2019 | Timothy Meads

Posted on 01/19/2019 2:34:52 PM PST by Kaslin

UPDATE:

President Donald J. Trump finished his address moments ago, offering the Democratic Party a compromised illegal immigration solution that would bring an end to the government shut down, institute extended protection for DACA recipients and other illegal aliens, as well as provide initial funding for 230 miles of steel barriers along the southern border. 

"If we are successful in this effort, we will have the best chance in a long time at bipartisan immigration reform, and it won’t stop here, it will keep going until we do it all,” the president told the nation.

"Our immigration system should be a source of pride, not a source of shame," the commander-in-chief added. 

As noted by Fox News, "It would also offer $800 million for drug detection technology to secure ports of entry, 2,750 new border agents and law enforcement professionals, and 75 new immigration judges to reduce the backlog of asylum requests. He said that all his measures have been supported by Democrats before." 

But, even before the president made his remarks, Democratic leaders hinted they would reject this plan. 

"Similar inadequate offers from the Administration were already rejected by Democrats. The BRIDGE Act does not fully protect Dreamers and is not a permanent solution," a senior House Democratic aide told The Hill.

"This is not a compromise as it includes the same wasteful, ineffective $5.7 billion wall demand that shut down the government in the first place," the source added. 

After the announcement, key supporters Ann Coulter and Michelle Malkin blasted the president for what amounts in their eyes to "amnesty."

Immediate: 3 yrs of amnesty for 700,000 illegal aliens who'll get work permits, Social Security #s & protection from deportation.

Immediate: Temporary (read: Permanent) Protected Status extension for 300k illegal aliens.

Later. Maybe. Someday: 230 miles of steel barriers.

??— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) January 19, 2019

Trump proposes amnesty. We voted for Trump and got Jeb!— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 19, 2019

100 miles of border wall in exchange for amnestying millions of illegals. So if we grant citizenship to a BILLION foreigners, maybe we can finally get a full border wall.— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 19, 2019

It is theorized that President Trump simply offered this proposal knowing the Democrats would never agree to it as a strategic political move to place the blame on Democrats for refusing to compromise, but other pundits observed it may not be as beneficial for the president as he thinks. 

The positive is this shows independents that Trump is open to compromise, might make his poll numbers go up.
The negative is this tells his base he’s willing to sell out. For ppl who backed Trump since the beginning, this bill is poison https://t.co/W18HU4qzvc— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) January 19, 2019

It’s a great deal for Democrats. They get a cookie and his supporters get a crumb.#AmnestyDon https://t.co/lQgKd5Hb6S— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) January 19, 2019

ORIGINAL:

Axios' Jonathan Swan reported President Donald J. Trump could announce today a supposed illegal immigration deal that will seek protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival recipients for the next three years as well as an extension of legal status for Temporary Protected Status holders in exchange for $5.7 billion border wall funding along the Mexican border. Observers should remember that in 1986 Republican President Ronald Reagan offered a massive amnesty compromise with Democrats to increase border security and decrease illegal immigration which resulted in neither a secure border nor a deterrent for illegal aliens. In fact, it arguably had the opposite outcome. If Swan's reporting is correct, this plan could pave the way for similar disastrous policy. 

According to Axios, Jared Kushner and Vice President Mike Pence have orchestrated this deal after South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham suggested it in December. But, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell noted that "the letter from Nancy Pelosi telling Trump not to deliver the State of the Union" was a turning point for negotiation strategy. Axios' source says that "McConnell had been saying all along that Pelosi and Trump needed to negotiate because one needed to put a bill on the House floor and one needed to sign it — two people with singular power." 

Likewise,  Axios says that "advocates for the plan argue that by offering the new proposal, Trump is showing he’s willing to negotiate while Pelosi remains unmoved.  But even some top Republicans are skeptical Trump's overture will be enough to break the logjam."

This could purely be a political move, with the president never expecting Democratic leaders to actually agree to it. This proposal could give the President a chance to make a play on voters who oppose the wall but want some sort of compromise by showing it is the Democratic leaders who are not willing to work together. 

But, the question remains if this legislative deal would still be enough to stop illegal immigration the way the president intends to or if it would simply encourage more of it. 

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a historic immigration bill that granted "legal status, or amnesty, to aliens who can show that they entered the United States before Jan. 1, 1982, and have resided here continuously ''in an unlawful status'' since then. Aliens, such as foreign students or tourists, would generally be ineligible for the amnesty if they were in the United States legally for any portion of the time after Jan. 1, 1982." 

The bill was supposed to curb illegal immigration by increasing border patrol security and punishing companies that hired illegal aliens. Likewise, aliens granted amnesty were "ineligible for welfare, food stamps and most other Federal benefits" with some "exceptions for the aged, blind and disabled and for pregnant women." Likewise, "the Federal Government..set aside $1 billion a year to reimburse state governments for the costs of providing public assistance, health care and education to illegal aliens who gain legal status." 

But, not long after this law went into effect, The New York Times noted that "The mass of newly legalized immigrants is also acting as a magnet for illegal aliens who want to come to the United States to join friends and relatives."

Likewise, Democratic and Republican officials' "plan to strengthen the Border Patrol was never fully carried out, and experts reach widely differing verdicts on the effectiveness of the sanctions against employers who hire illegal aliens." 

Fast forward 30 years later, and the United States is still dealing with an illegal immigration problem at our porous border. Every previous president has declared that this is a problem, but have failed to actually solve it.  This potential plan likely would not solve it either and will only create more headaches. 

The first problem, as noted by Adam Shaw, is that it is unclear if President Trump's plan would even cover the expense of the wall and what else President Trump would have to give up to earn more funding.

Worth noting that this wouldn't be "DACA in exchange for wall" deal, it would be "DACA in exchange for about a third of the wall." [Wall is estimated at at least $15 billion]

What would he need to give up to get the remaining $10 billion? https://t.co/b3rH89TtPj— Adam Shaw (@AdamShawNY) January 19, 2019

But even if the wall was fully funded, this plan would still create problem for Conservatives as illegal aliens who otherwise do not qualify for DACA would likely turn to immigration legal advocates to sue to claim they too deserve the same protections. The amount of time alone for thousands of illegal aliens in courts could take years. Plus, this codifying of protection for three years would eventually pave the way for permanent citizenship for these workers, especially if a Democratic president takes office in 2020.

But, in the short term, the threat of a wall and confusing policy would likely increase the flow of illegal immigration as well. This has its place in history after a Government Accountability Office report declared in 2015 that President Barack Obama's immigration policy and intended deterrents actually increased the number of illegal aliens entering America after wrongly assuming they could be eligible for DACA  if they crossed the border. 

At the time of the passing of the 1986 bill, President Ronald Reagan declared that 'Future generations of Americans will be thankful for our efforts to humanely regain control of our borders and thereby preserve the value of one of the most sacred possessions of our people, American citizenship." That obviously did not come into fruition as that effort did not allow America to retain control of its borders. It seems then-Rep. Chuck Schumer was more on the money when he said that, "The bill is a gamble, a riverboat gamble. There is no guarantee that employer sanctions will work or that amnesty will work. We are headed into uncharted waters.'" 

Today, President Trump's potential immigration deal is also a "riverboat gamble" both politically and legislatively speaking. The compromise may gain some voters for the Republican party but if actually passed would more likely guarantee an influx of illegal immigration and full amnesty down the road when a Democratic president assumes office. 


This post has been changed from its original headline of "President Trump's Potential Border Wall Deal Sounds Like Disastrous 1986 Immigration Compromise" to help avoid confusion.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News
KEYWORDS: border; buildthefence; daca; dreamact; dreamers; ronaldreagan; shutdown
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 101-104 next last
To: traderrob6

(not you Trader) People here can be so ignorant, and I also shake my head when they SELECTIVELY believe something the driveby media says is true, when in reality it’s ALL fake news.

First of all, there are actually portions of the US Mexico border that have a border wall ALREADY. And other places have some SERIOUS fencing that even the Hungarians would be proud of with lots of Border Patrol watching over it.

The part of the wall that Pres. Trump is trying to get with the $5 billion s those parts that are either entirely unprotected or barely so.

Goodness sakes, we’ve had real live Border Patrolmen speak on this issue in numerous videos and other news conferences that the drivebys ignore. Educate yourselves and look and see what THEY have to say.

The comments that that homely-lanky blonde Coulter puts out is utter rubbish. Does anyone REALLY think that Donald J is going to screw us on this issue, of all things?

Also, amnesty for the few DACA is something most of us can live with, because guess what? That small group of illegals will NEVER be thrown out of the country, despite anyone on the Right’s wishes. It’s just not going to happen.

Amnesty for them is NOT the same thing as amnesty for MILLIONS of illegals. That AIN’T gonna happen under Pres. Trump.

Get his damn back, instead of bitchin’ because you heard some BS from CNN...

We win THIS fight, and next we take up chain immigration, the immigration lottery, and e-Verify. That’s what we Pres. Trump wants to do.

He beats Ronald Reagan by miles on this whole issue.

NOTE You will Never get another president who wants to end illegal immigration more than Donald J Trump.

Stop eating your own, and biting the hand that feeds you, thanks!


21 posted on 01/19/2019 3:00:41 PM PST by Alas Babylon! (The media is after us. Trump's just in the way.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Williams

We have now approached the time that we have why more idiots than we do rational thinking people no borders no country in the end we will suffer the same fait as the Roman inspire..


22 posted on 01/19/2019 3:13:26 PM PST by Mavrick69
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

****

https://www.gofundme.com/TheTrumpWall


23 posted on 01/19/2019 3:23:51 PM PST by LucyT
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: Alas Babylon!

Stop eating your own, and biting the hand that feeds you, thanks!

No kidding. This guy works for free, day in and day out, takes non-stop abuse and lying from dems, the media, the idiots in Hollywood, etc. He didn’t create the problems, but volunteers to go to battle every day to fix them. Too bad he wasn’t the dictator everyone calls him - at lease he’d have the power to get things fixed without having to scrape and fight like a dog. Even those who are supposed to be on his side don’t support him half the time....Ryan, McConnell, stupid Romney, etc.

If the past politicians had done their jobs (the ones they took a big fat paycheque for) then President Trump wouldn’t be having to straighten out mess after mess. Just look at all this guy has accomplished. Nobody gives him the credit he deserves. I like Michelle Malkin, but there’s a time to back off. Those DACA people will NEVER be tossed out of the country. He may as well use them as a bargaining chip.

I feel for the president. And I wish Ann Coulter would shut up. It’s easy to write whatever you want. She couldn’t have done any better. Sorry Alas.....not ranting at you lol.


24 posted on 01/19/2019 3:29:58 PM PST by JudyinCanada
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: Mavrick69

no borders no country in the end we will suffer the same fait as the Roman empire.

*****************

Collapse from within. Unchecked immigration is permanently changing our culture and what used to be a relatively stable political balance. On top of that we have a tiered legal system that clearly favors certain people. And now we have entered a dangerous period of intense, internecine political warfare.

We are certainly no longer the cohesive country we used to be and we are being increasingly occupied by people who don’t share our American values, appreciate our history or subscribe to our sense of fairness.

Make no mistake, we are experiencing profound and seismic changes within the country and threats to our way of life. All in all we’re not on a good path.


25 posted on 01/19/2019 3:32:20 PM PST by Starboard
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: Starboard

And how long has the illegal immigration been going on? This should have been taken care of when Reagan gave amnesty in exchange for border security. What happened? Why was it not done? Why was it not followed up on way back when? There’s only so much President Trump can do - and God knows he’s done some pretty amazing things for the country....AND HE NEEDED THIS LIKE A HOLE IN THE HEAD.


26 posted on 01/19/2019 3:36:26 PM PST by JudyinCanada
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Just a reminder for the young, chicken little pretty faces at Freep...AXIOS wants to divide us...Swan, et al, knows to push stories of Kushner, Pence vs PDJT...show a little trust, will you?

Stop buying their crap...let Buzzfeed be a lesson.


27 posted on 01/19/2019 5:30:40 PM PST by CincyRichieRich (I do not like it; will not see it - Conservative...I do not like it; No one should see it! - Liberal)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Reno89519
I don't agree. Trump offered to do a deal on the Dreamers before and the Democrats would not take it. Nothing new here.

All it does is expose their Hypocrisy on this issue.

Well he threw them a bone and they would not take it so he tried. It had to be done. Now the next step is the SOTU address.

Either Pelosi let's him give it in congress or he does it in another venue. Regardless he can make his case directly to the people and point out he has been willing to deal but the Democrats won't and have no honor at all.

So now, and they said in Godfather I, we go to the mattress'.

28 posted on 01/19/2019 5:37:55 PM PST by Captain Peter Blood
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Captain Peter Blood

If we go to the mattress’, do you think Pelosi will find a horse head in her bed?


29 posted on 01/19/2019 5:41:03 PM PST by hawkaw
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: caltaxed

Amen. Honestly, I don’t know how he holds up. I pray for him and for us all. The Left has gone completely around the bend.


30 posted on 01/19/2019 5:46:40 PM PST by thesearethetimes... (Had I brought Christ with me, the outcome would have been different. Dr.Eric Cunningham)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

Comment #31 Removed by Moderator

Comment #32 Removed by Moderator

To: hawkaw

I hope so, I hope she finds Chuck’s head there.


33 posted on 01/19/2019 5:51:32 PM PST by Captain Peter Blood
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

Comment #34 Removed by Moderator

To: CincyRichieRich
There are actually four "News" site you have to take with a grain of salt.

Politico, The Hill, Buzzfeed and AXIOS. When I see Buzzfeed and AXIOS mentioned as a source I don't even click on the link as I know they are nothing but clickbait

35 posted on 01/19/2019 6:00:32 PM PST by Kaslin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: GOPe Means Bend Over Spell Run

Well, unfortunately, that shipped sailed many years ago and is never going to happen. The primary goal is to first and foremost, seal the border now.


36 posted on 01/19/2019 6:48:48 PM PST by Toespi
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: JudyinCanada

Don’t be sorry!

I agree 100%!

And The ugly Anne Coulter is camping out on my last nerve.

Shaddup already!


37 posted on 01/19/2019 6:54:55 PM PST by Alas Babylon! (The media is after us. Trump's just in the way.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: caltaxed

Amen. If Trump hadn’t won, we’d have President Clinton cutting sellout deals with McConnell and Ryan. North Korea would be receiving aid and drinking toasts to Kerry’s health. Syria would be under the boot of ISIS and Tehran would be rebuilding her nuclear weapons program. China would continue to rack up a trade surplus and we’d be approaching $30 trillion in debt and amid a weak economy. And a court packed with liberals.


38 posted on 01/19/2019 7:05:19 PM PST by BradyLS (DO NOT FEED THE BEARS!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: Starboard
He should threaten a reduction in force to thin the ranks of the bloated federal government if the Dems don’t start negotiating in good faith.
39 posted on 01/19/2019 8:32:50 PM PST by Rapscallion (Walls work anytime night or day, any weather)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

Comment #40 Removed by Moderator


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 101-104 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson