Former House Majority Leader Eric, Cantor, R-Va., urged Democrats and Republicans to stand up to their respective detractors and pass legislation providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, while boosting border security.
“I have long believed that America is a country of laws and that border security is paramount. I also firmly believe that the principles of our founding dictate children should not be punished for the illegal acts of their parents,” Cantor said in a series of tweets Sunday. “The #Dreamers are not responsible for their situation, and as a compassionate nation and people we owe them our help. Only Congress can fix this mess.”
The #Dreamers are not responsible for their situation, and as a compassionate nation and people we owe them our help.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
I also firmly believe that the principles of our founding dictate children should not be punished for the illegal acts of their parents.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
I have long believed that America is a country of laws and that border security is paramount…
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
The Trump administration announced earlier this month DACA would be rescinded by March, giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution addressing Dreamers, those brought to the U.S. illegally as children who are currently protected by deportation.
Cantor, who lost the Republican primary for his House seat to Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., in 2014 in part because of his stance on immigration, pushed Congress to find a legislative solution for Dreamers that includes border security and a path to citizenship.
“It should do so by providing a path for law-abiding #Dreamers to obtain a green card and full citizenship. In exchange, Congress should significantly increase border security with funding for add’l personnel, technology and physical resources,” he tweeted. “Yes, this is the sort of deal the extreme wings of both parties will oppose … but it’s the exact type of sensible compromise the nation needs.
“It is well past time for Republicans to stand up to those on the right who are quick to denounce any sensible solution as amnesty, and for Democrats to stand up to those on the left who rail against any meaningful steps toward border security and immigration enforcement. This is a unique opportunity for both parties to do just that. Now is the time to get it done!!
This is a unique opportunity for both parties to do just that. Now is the time to get it done!! https://t.co/lrJtKYtpC5
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
…for Democrats to stand up to those on the left who rail against any meaningful steps toward border security and immigration enforcement.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
It is well past time for Republicans to stand up to those on the right who are quick to denounce any sensible solution as amnesty, and…
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
Yes, this is the sort of deal the extreme wings of both parties will oppose…but it’s the exact type of sensible compromise the nation needs.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
In exchange, Congress should significantly increase border security with funding for add’l personnel, technology and physical resources.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
Only Congress can fix this mess. It should do so by providing a path for law-abiding #Dreamers to obtain a green card and full citizenship.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) September 17, 2017
President Trump met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., last week to discuss legislation addressing DACA, and though the Democratic leaders said a deal had been reached, the White House refuted their claims.
