Despite repeated calls
to visit the U.S.-Mexico border to witness the impact of thousands of Central American children illegally crossing into the country, President Barack Obama will attend fundraisers with pro-immigration activists,
Breitbart reported.
Obama is scheduled to attend an event on Wednesday with actors Rosario Dawson, Danny Trejo and Jessica Alba. In addition, the president will visit the home of Austin-based filmmaker Robert Rodriguez for an event to which tickets are going for as much as $32,400, according to Breitbart.
Rodriguez, whose resume includes the "Machete" franchise, has released a trailer for a movie in which Arizona's illegal immigration laws are openly mocked.
During his trip to Texas, Obama will meet with
Gov. Rick Perry and faith leaders, but he also has plans to spend time with Hollywood actors and immigration advocates. Initially, the White House invited Perry to greet the president on the tarmac in Austin, but after the Texas governor rebuffed that offer, Obama agreed to a face-to-face meeting.
The day before departing for Texas, Obama requested $3.7 billion in emergency funds to deal with the burgeoning crisis along the border. In addition to seeking money to facilitate deportation proceedings, the White House included $615 million for wildfire suppression in its request.
Obama's decision not to schedule even a brief stop in the areas directly affected is being criticized by Democrats as well.
During an interview on Tuesday with
Fox News, Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, said he understands why he is attending fundraising, but added that "he can get on Air Force One right after the last fundraiser, go down to the border, take half an hour, 45 minutes at most to fly down there, and then go see the situation. I think that is going to be very important."
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