Senate Republicans are urging President Trump to revisit his zero tolerance immigration policy that has resulted in children being separated from their parents, and created headaches for the party as it tries to negotiate with itself on an immigration deal.
While many Republicans believe legislation to correct the issue would be helpful, they believe Trump could make things easier by reversing the administration’s zero tolerance policy. Thus far, the president has been steadfast in defending the actions of the administration.
“We need to revisit it,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who shot back at Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen’s claim that Congress “alone” can fix the problem. “Congress alone can fix a broken immigration system. As to this zero tolerance policy, [Trump] can change it tomorrow with a phone call.”
The situation has roiled Senate Republicans, almost all of whom have sympathized with the children at the border and have taken issue with the steps taken by the administration.
“I think it is traumatizing to them and that it is not fair to all the children responsible for the wrongdoing of their parents,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
Immigration hawks are also feeling the pressure. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who has been against any immigration deal to legalize Dreamers, announced late Monday that he plans to unveil legislation that would expedite the review of asylum cases and double the number of immigration judges from 375 to 750.
“All Americans are rightly horrified by the images we are seeing on the news, children in tears pulled away from their mothers and fathers. This must stop. Now,” Cruz said. “While these cases are pending, families should stay together. Children belong with their mothers and fathers.”
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the No. 2 Senate Republican, also called for Congress to step in with a fix for the children. He called for the Senate to revisit legislation he proposed in 2014 with Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, that would “mitigate the problem of family separation.”
“We have to keep family members together and prevent unnecessary hardship, stress, and outrage. The good news is we have it within our power to find a better way because parents who are awaiting court proceedings shouldn’t have to do so separated from their children, and children shouldn’t be taken from their parents and left frightened and confused about where they are and what is transpiring around them.”
All the while, the administration remained defiant Monday and continued to defend the policy. Trump continued to blame Democrats for the issue, saying it’s their fault because they won’t come to the table for immigration negotiations.
The administration has argued that family separation is the result of decisions to prosecute anyone who tries to enter the U.S. with children outside a U.S. checkpoint given that the law prevents the U.S. government from holding minors in detention.
This isn’t stopping Republicans on Capitol Hill though, especially those who believe the issue is politically potent. They also aren’t sure how the issue ultimately will be resolved considering the lack of success lawmakers have had in passing legislation of any kind on immigration in recent years and in the current Congress since Trump attempted to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
“Generally speaking, [they’re] not good,” Graham said of the optics for Republicans. “There will come a point where somebody’s is going to have to take their foot off the gas and quit ramming the car through the wall.”
“Anytime you have a problem with two Republican first ladies, you’re probably not in a good spot,” Graham said, referring to comments in recent days from Melania Trump and Laura Bush.
