Trump’s Call to Block Immigration Bill Ignites GOP Backlash

Last updated Mar 13, 2024

TL/DR –

Trump’s intervention, urging Republicans to reject the Immigration Bill to allow him to campaign on the unresolved immigration issue, has sparked significant backlash from within his own party. Amidst an escalating immigration crisis, a group of Republican lawmakers stands in open defiance against former President Donald Trump’s recent call to block a critical border security bill, a move aimed at preserving a key issue for his presidential campaign platform. Senators such as Mitt Romney (R-UT) and former U.S. Navy SEAL, Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), have voiced their outrage, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of sacrificing necessary policy advancements for political maneuvering. Their stance highlights a growing rift within the GOP, as some members prioritize addressing the nation’s pressing immigration challenges over adhering to Trump’s political strategies.

Republican Divide Over Tough Immigration Laws

On Thursday, Republican disputes intensified over endorsing an Immigration Bill for stricter immigration laws, with some resisting their peers who want to succumb to ex-president Donald Trump’s wishes and dismiss it. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, expressed his disappointment towards Trump for discouraging Republicans to settle the border issue, accusing him of wanting to blame Biden for the predicament.

“The American people are enduring because of the border situation,” Romney stated. He believes anyone running for president should aim to solve the problem. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., echoed this sentiment, urging his colleagues not to allow politics to dictate decisions.

Their remarks followed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., outlining the political challenges facing the emerging immigration and foreign aid deal in a private GOP meeting. Some conservatives believe that blocking an agreement will make voters blame President Joe Biden for the border chaos, despite his endorsement of the negotiations.

Trump has strongly criticized the deal on his social media platform, insisting that Republicans should not “do a Border Deal, unless we get EVERYTHING.”

While McConnell has not withdrawn his support for the agreement, some Republicans argue it should be rejected for not being comprehensive enough at sealing the border. The deal is yet to be finalized as congressional appropriators are still working through the funding provisions.

Democrats Encourage Deal to Address Border Crisis

Contrarily, Rep. Colin Allred, a potential Democratic opponent for Cruz, praised the emerging bipartisan deal. He criticized Cruz for not being interested in finding solutions, only in partisan politics. Sen. Chris Murphy, a leading Democratic negotiator, accused Republicans of treating the border issue as a political, not a policy problem.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., had a terse response to the GOP push to sink the deal, calling it “Bull-loney” and suggesting those wanting to keep it as a campaign issue should resign. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, echoed this sentiment stating, “They need to put politics aside and do this.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., concluded Thursday’s chamber meeting promising Democrats’ commitment to the deal. However, with the Democrats controlling the Senate by a slim 51-49 lead, it would require 60 votes to override a guaranteed filibuster. And still, there are no assurances it can pass in a Republican-controlled House.

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