Democrats balked at a set of demands on immigration that President Trump sent Friday in anticipation of a deal on immigration that would make allowances for "Dreamers" to stay in the country. The demands included $18 billion for the border wall that became a focus of Trump's campaign promises.
What are the demands by Trump?
The seven-page document was delivered to senators from Homeland Security Friday. It includes heightened rules for unaccompanied minors arriving into the country, limits on "chain migration," and according to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), $18 billion for a border wall.
Also included are increased enforcement against immigrants who illegally overstay their visas, and punishing cities who take on "sanctuary city" policies to thwart federal enforcement of immigration laws.
How did Democrats respond?
Durbin angrily denounced the suggested deal. “President Trump has said he may need a good government shutdown to get his wall," Durbin said. "With this demand, he seems to be heading in that direction."
What are "Dreamers"?
Dreamers is the name given by illegal alien advocates to those illegal immigrants who were brought into the country by their parents or others when they were minors.
Former President Obama provided them with deportation waivers in 2012, but current President Trump gave Congress six months to pass a bill to protect their status, or it would be taken away. The deadline runs out in March.