President Trump on Wednesday will use the bully pulpit to rally support for tough immigration legislation, a day after he was forced to watch the Senate pull the plug on a healthcare reform bill that Trump has sought since his election.
Trump will meet at the White House with victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, in a bid to boost two bills that the House is expected to pass Thursday before lawmakers leave for the July 4 break. The bills are aimed at thwarting "sanctuary cities" that refuse to cooperate with federal officials on immigration and imposing tougher penalties against deported criminals who re-enter the United States.
Trump has spoken out often as a candidate and as president about the need for tougher policies against illegal immigrant criminals.
In February, he brought victims of illegal immigrants to Congress as guests for his first remarks to joint session of Congress. He set up a new office in the Department of Homeland Security to help victims of these crimes.
"We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media and silenced by special interests," he said in his joint session speech. "Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them."
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04.28.2024