President Trump said Friday he would use Mexico’s dependence on the U.S. as a major importer of Mexican goods to convince that country to cooperate with U.S. officials as they look to prevent Central American migrants from passing over Mexico’s southern border and into the U.S.
“80% of Mexico’s Exports come to the United States. They totally rely on us, which is fine with me. They do have, though, very strong Immigration Laws. The U.S. has pathetically weak and ineffective Immigration Laws that the Democrats refuse to help us fix. Will speak to Mexico!” Trump tweeted Friday morning.
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80% of Mexico’s Exports come to the United States. They totally rely on us, which is fine with me. They do have, though, very strong Immigration Laws. The U.S. has pathetically weak and ineffective Immigration Laws that the Democrats refuse to help us fix. Will speak to Mexico!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2018
“We must maintain a Strong Southern Border. We cannot allow our Country to be overrun by illegal immigrants as the Democrats tell their phony stories of sadness and grief, hoping it will help them in the elections. Obama and others had the same pictures, and did nothing about it!” he added.
We must maintain a Strong Southern Border. We cannot allow our Country to be overrun by illegal immigrants as the Democrats tell their phony stories of sadness and grief, hoping it will help them in the elections. Obama and others had the same pictures, and did nothing about it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2018
On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said her department was working with leaders of Northern Triangle nations to deal with the issues prompting tens of thousands of migrants to leave their home countries and flee to the U.S.
Vice President Mike Pence met with the president of Honduras this week and discussed cooperation between both countries on various issues, including the chaos in Venezuela.
Trump’s plan to reach out comes after a new surge of illegal entries this spring.
The House failed on Thursday to pass a conservative immigration bill that had included border security and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals solutions. Only one additional bill, which is more moderate in nature, remains in consideration in the House.
