WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Senator Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., has introduced compromise legislation intended to strengthen border security while also providing protections for young undocumented immigrants.
A statement from Flake said the bill known as the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act includes several components that previously had the joint-support of Congressional Republicans, Democrats, and President Trump.
The introduction of the bill comes after Trump rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provided protections for certain illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children.
'President Trump, both parties in Congress, and a majority of the nation all agree on the need for a stronger, more secure border; fair and permanent protections for DACA recipients; and the swift deportation of gang and cartel members who threaten our safety,' Flake said.
He added, 'I'll work with anyone and support any number of proposals to accomplish these goals, but I believe the straightforward approach of the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act is the best chance we've got to put a bill on the president's desk.'
The bill would provide $1.6 billion in funding for border security measures, including 74 miles of border fortifications and funding to plan for further construction.
DACA recipients and other undocumented children who have been in the U.S. continuously since 2012 would also be provided with conditional resident status for up to 10 years under the bill.
The conditional status requires that the recipients are pursuing vocational or higher education, are enlisted in the military, or are gainfully employed.
After meeting specified conditions, those individuals will then be eligible to apply for a green card and eventually citizenship.
The legislation also strengthens interior immigration enforcement by targeting members of gangs such as MS-13 and cartels for deportation.
Flake, who has frequently drawn the ire of President Trump, is expected to face both a strong primary challenger and a tough Democratic opponent next year.
(Photo: Gage Skidmore)
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