White House chief of staff John Kelly called for stricter border security and compared Mexico to Venezuela under the Hugo Chavez’s regime Wednesday night as President Trump met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to discuss an immigration proposal.
As Trump discussed the plan with Schumer and Pelosi, he requested input from Kelly, according to the New York Times.
Kelly reiterated his stance regarding increased border defenses and his support for a “beefed-up” barrier.
Additionally, he compared Mexico to Venezuela and indicated the nation was unstable and that instability would have negative repercussions on the U.S.
Mexico is an important trade and law enforcement ally to the U.S.
Trump is working to negotiate an immigration plan with Pelosi and Schumer to determine how best handle the 800,000 young immigrants who were previously protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the administration was rolling back the program within six months, providing Congress time to act.
