Rep. Marsha Blackburn said Thursday that Republicans would consider legalization for Dreamers, but that those immigrants shouldn’t be prioritized over the ones who have gone through the legal process to obtain citizenship.
“There is more conversation about a path to legalization and this is why,” Ms. Blackburn, Tennessee Republican, said on Fox News. “We do not want to see anyone get in front of people that have been going through the legal immigration process. And all of us know families and individuals who have spent years and thousands of dollars going through this process.”
President Trump said Wednesday that he’d consider allowing Dreamers — those brought to the U.S. illegally as children — to become citizens as part of the coming deal on immigration reform. Ms. Blackburn said the comment was likely part of Mr. Trump trying to negotiate protections for Dreamers and said lawmakers should discuss how that process would work. She did not say whether Republicans would be open to that option.
Ms. Blackburn is running for the open Senate seat in her state after incumbent Sen. Bob Corker announced his plans to retire last year.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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