Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said Friday that Democrats are “serious” about immigration, but “prefer the issue than the solution,” while offering praise for President Donald Trump’s proposal.
"If you are serious about ... a solution for immigration, not just the issue of immigration, the president's plan is a great place to start," Scott told Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” on Friday.
He went on to advocate for a merit-based immigration system, and asked for Democrats to “come to the table and negotiate.”
Democratic leaders dismissed Trump’s plan before it was announced on Thursday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that the proposal “isn’t a serious attempt at immigration reform,” and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said it was “dead-on-arrival” and said it was “not a remotely serious proposal.”
Scott was then asked about the immigration bill proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham, which proposes ending asylum claims from Central America at the border and returning unaccompanied minors to their country of origin.
"It would be helpful, but here's my concern,” the senator said. "I think the Democrats prefer the issue than the solution. There's no real doubt."
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