U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said he believes GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell's promise to have a vote soon on immigration will be easy to keep. That promise was part of the deal to end a brief government shutdown this week.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday at Heartland Community College in Normal, LaHood said bipartisan groups have been working on immigration issues including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for childhood immigrants for some time.
“I think we can have a DACA solution to the 800,000 DACA recipients here. It’s going to contain border security. Not necessarily a border wall, but security measures. If we have that, I think there are a lot of Republicans who can support that,” said LaHood.
The Dunlap Republican whose district includes parts of McLean County also said a couple other issues are must-haves.
“The visa lottery system and chain migration. Tweaks, changes, amendments to that have to be a part of this. But I think all those issues can come together and we can find a solution," LaHood said.
He did not address the chances for a more comprehensive bill that could include adult undocumented immigrants.
LaHood said he’s pleased the Monday spending bill compromise will keep the government open.
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