President Donald Trump has been "very explicit" that he wants Congress to do its work on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals issue, said Rep. Carlos Curbelo Wednesday.
That's why he's sponsoring a bill that will allow paths for "Dreamers" — who he calls "de facto Americans," the opportunity to earn legal status in the United States.
The Florida Republican explained on Fox News' "Fox and Friends" that his bill, the "Recognizing America's Children Act," would require people brought into the United States illegally as children to either serve in the military, be employed, or earn either a college or vocational degree.
"We're going to, for five years, make sure that you meet those requirements after those five years, then you can get legal permanent residency," Curbelo said. "Eventually, these people on their own could apply for citizenship, but the bill in no way guarantees citizenship."
Curbelo said that his bill doesn't currently include measures for border enforcement or a border wall, but it could be paired with such legislation or other reforms.
"Wouldn't you say it needs to be?" show co-host Pete Hegseth argued. "Otherwise, we're focusing on folks that are here illegally and not on law abiding, tax-paying citizens who feel like a lot of the policies pursued so far haven't served their interest."
Curbelo responded that he supports stronger border security and also reforms to the nation's VISA system.
"A lot of people talk about the border and the wall, but they don't talk about the fact that about half of the people who are here illegally overstayed their visas," Curbelo said. "The border has really nothing to do with it."
Curbelo described his proposed legislation as a "conservative version" of a law that will recognize Dreamers and their needs.
"People talk about de facto amnesty, but let's talk about the fact that these young people are de facto Americans," Curbelo said. "They grew up in this country, they went to our schools. They are working here. They are paying taxes. Some of them are willing to lose their lives for this country, to risk their lives for this country. So these kids are de facto Americans. It's about time that the law recognizes them as such."
The alternative is that the Dreamers would be subject to deportation in a matter of months, and "obviously, in calling for action, the president doesn't support that position. So I urge all of my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, sure, let's work together on a broader immigration package."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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