President Trump urged Republicans on Wednesday to make immigration a key issue in the upcoming Nov. 6 elections, saying it’s a “great midterm issue” for the GOP.
“Hard to believe that with thousands of people from South of the Border, walking unimpeded toward our country in the form of large Caravans, that the Democrats won’t approve legislation that will allow laws for the protection of our country. Great Midterm issue for Republicans!” Trump tweeted.
“Republicans must make the horrendous, weak and outdated immigration laws, and the Border, a part of the Midterms!” the president said in a second tweet.
Hard to believe that with thousands of people from South of the Border, walking unimpeded toward our country in the form of large Caravans, that the Democrats won’t approve legislation that will allow laws for the protection of our country. Great Midterm issue for Republicans!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2018
Republicans must make the horrendous, weak and outdated immigration laws, and the Border, a part of the Midterms!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2018
Trump has been pushing Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen border security and the country’s immigration laws, including by building a wall across the U.S.-Mexico border, a promise that was central to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., intends to seek $5 billion for construction of Trump’s border wall after the Senate returns to Washington following the Nov. 6 elections.
Democrats, however, have signaled they will oppose the funding.
The president has vocalized his frustration with Congress’ inaction on immigration, but told Fox News last week Republicans will do “something very strong on the wall” after the midterm elections.
Trump’s recommendation to Republicans to make immigration and the border a central election issue comes as roughly 1,600 migrants are heading to the southern border to seek asylum.
Members of the caravan, which began as a group of 160 Hondurans, told the Associated Press they fled their country because of poverty and the threat of violence.
Trump on Tuesday threatened to pull aid and funding from Honduras if the caravan is not stopped.
