US Dems prepare own border proposals
WASHINGTON (AP) — Under pressure to show they have solutions, Democrats are honing proposals to address the surge of families entering the US at the southern border, a problem they say US President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies are enflaming.
House Democrats plan to introduce legislation soon addressing the recent waves of Central American migrants reaching the border.
Senate Democrats are pursuing multiple tracks, including exploring whether talks with the White House might be feasible.
The House measure, described by lawmakers, aides and lobbyists, would stand virtually no chance of winning approval by the Republicanled Senate, let alone getting Trump’s signature.
But it would let Democrats show voters they’re responsive to the rush of migrants that has overwhelmed federal officials and left border communities struggling to cope — rather than simply objecting to Trump’s moves.
The bill, which participants said is still being finalized, is expected to increase federal resources at border entry points for processing refugees, counseling children and treating people needing medical care. It would create centers in Central America where asylum applications could be processed and provide aid to reduce poverty and violence in the region so fewer people would flee.