House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and House Republicans have released a first draft of their new “compromise” immigration bill, the “Border Security and Immigration Reform Act.”
The proposal provides a pathway to citizenship for young unauthorized immigrants known as DREAMers. It also contains $25 billion to build a wall on the southern border with Mexico, and a provision that the government can cancel Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals visas if the wall funding is rescinded. Also included is a provision ending the diversity visa lottery program.
The measure is expected to be considered next week along with a conservative proposal (H.R.4760) drafted by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) that would replace the H-2A guestworker program with a new one called H-2C. It would also legalize DREAMers, end the diversity visa program, and require employers to use E-Verify. Neither bill is expected to pass the House.
Republican senators, who previously said immigration was a dead issue, said Thursday the House immigration plan drafted by Ryan could get a vote in their chamber. “If the House passes something the president would sign, I’ll take a look at it,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky). Trump today indicated that he would not sign the House GOP’s compromise immigration bill.
