The President released a video statement last night emphasizing the importance of Congress acting on immigration. The president characterized immigration as a national security issue outlining loopholes within the system that are allowing gang members, like those affiliated with MS-13, and other criminals to infiltrate American society.
My Administration has identified three major priorities for creating a safe, modern and lawful immigration system: fully securing the border, ending chain migration, and canceling the visa lottery. Congress must secure the immigration system and protect Americans. pic.twitter.com/xV1lgfhjBU
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 10, 2018
“For example, under current law, unaccompanied alien minors at the border, are released into American communities, no matter where, no matter how. It’s so easy for them because the laws are bad and they have to be changed,” the President said.
“In addition to MS-13, many other gangs, are breaking into our country routinely because our laws are so weak, so sad, so pathetic,” the President added.
Trump once again reiterated his goals for immigration: border security, an end to chain migration and an end to immigration visa lottery programs. He has expressed in the past his willingness to exchange a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who were brought to this country illegally at a very young age for those provisions.
Immigration promises to dominate the debate on Capitol Hill in the coming weeks ahead of a winter recess for lawmakers next week and a looming March 5 deadline for the DACA program once they return.
The President, touching on his “America First” theme, implored Congress to act. “It is time for congress to act and to protect Americans. Every member of congress should choose the side of law enforcement and the side of the American people. That’s the way it has to be,” the President said.