Trump could torpedo immigration reform

WASHINGTON: House Republicans who spent months carefully crafting an immigration reform plan found themselves not rounding up votes but refreshing their phones to see if a presidential tweet would blow up the entire effort.

President Donald Trump had just thrown a spanner into months of immigration talks, saying in an interview with Fox News he ‘‘certainly won’t sign’’ the allGOP compromise immigration Bill.

As a result, House Republicans who had planned votes on two immigration Bills this week went home unsure what would come next. The House does not plan to return to Washington until Wednesday (NZ time).

Do not fret, Republicans said, the president would surely clarify his remarks.

Three hours later, the tweet came.

‘‘The Democrats are forcing the breakup of families at the Border with their horrible and cruel legislative agenda,’’ Trump tweeted. ‘‘Any Immigration Bill MUST HAVE full funding for the Wall, end Catch & Release, Visa Lottery and Chain, and go to Merit Based Immigration. Go for it! WIN!’’

Trump’s tweet did not acknowledge the most important part of any deal for many Republicans: a path to citizenship for 1.8 million young immigrants who came to the US illegally as young children.

The deal now hinges on Trump’s support, or lack of it.

Republican leaders last week announced a plan to vote on two immigration Bills this week. The plan scuttled a petition by Miami Republican Carlos Curbelo that would have forced a series of immigration votes with the support of Democrats.

The path forward, depending on Trump, is all Republican, for now. — TNS