A White House official told television networks Tuesday that President Trump would like to see Congress work on a new broad immigration bill, reigniting a festering debate on Capitol Hill.
The revelation came from network anchors, who regularly meet with presidents ahead of big speeches to Congress — though the official who made the statement was not named.
Mr. Trump’s plan would allow illegal immigrants to live and work in the U.S., but would stop short of granting most of them full citizenship, CNN reported. Dreamers, the young adult illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, would be an exception, likely eligible for full status.
The official said both sides would have to compromise.
White House deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders said she could not confirm the comments made during the luncheon. But she said “massive reform” of immigration laws has always been Mr. Turmp’s goal.
“The president has been very clear in his process that the immigration system is broken and needs massive reform and he’s made clear that he is open to discussions on that moving forward,” she told reporters at the White House.
She said the president’s focus remains on border security and deporting illegal immigrations who commits serious crimes.
“Those priorities have not changed,” said Ms. Sanders.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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