Congress tackles immigration issue

WASHINGTON » The Senate will open up a rare, openended debate on immigration and the fate of the “Dreamer” immigrants on Monday. But the most influential voice in the conversation may be on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue.

If the aim is to pass a legislative solution soon, President Donald Trump is a crucial and, at times, complicating player. His day-today turnabouts on the issues have confounded Democrats and Republicans and led some to urge the White House to minimize his role in the debate for fear he’ll say something that undermines the effort.

Yet his support will be vital if Congress is to overcome election-year pressures against compromise. No Senate deal is likely to pass the more conservative House without the president’s blessing.

Trump, thus far, has balked on that front.

“The Tuesday Trump versus the Thursday Trump, after the base gets to him,” Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said, describing the situation.