President Trump said Sunday that many immigrants crossing the border are using children for “their own sinister purposes,” calling on Congress to change immigration laws.
The president also told voters to “Vote R,” suggesting that electing more Republicans to Congress after the midterm elections in November would ensure immigration laws being fixed.
Under prior immigration policy, those who cross the border illegally with children were released while they waited for deportation hearings.
“Please understand, there are consequences when people cross our Border illegally, whether they have children or not — and many are just using children for their own sinister purposes. Congress must act on fixing the DUMBEST & WORST immigration laws anywhere in the world! Vote ’R,’” Mr. Trump tweeted Sunday.
His tweet comes after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, told 840 WHAS Radio that funding for Mr. Trump’s border wall would likely come after the midterms.
But Mr. Trump said he’s willing to go as far as a government shutdown if border security isn’t included in Congress’ spending bill.
“I would be willing to “shut down” government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall! Must get rid of Lottery, Catch & Release etc. and finally go to system of Immigration based on MERIT! We need great people coming into our Country!” he tweeted.
The president also retweeted two of his own tweets from July 27, in which he called Democrats “incompetent” and said they want open borders and crime.
“The only things the Democrats do well is ’Resist,’ which is their campaign slogan, and ’Obstruct.’ Cryin’ Chuck Schumer has almost 400 great American people that are waiting ’forever’ to serve our Country! A total disgrace. Mitch M should not let them go home until all approved!” read one of the president’s retweets.
Mr. Mcconnell announced last month he will cancel the Senate’s August recess. Senators will spend the first week of August at home in their districts but will be in session the rest of the month.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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