US Senate Rejects Proposed Immigration Bills

Hopes that the US senate would finally pass a bill that will ensure the future of over 1.8 million dreamers was shattered on Thursday, as the senate failed to agree on any of the bills that was out before them.

A bipartisan bill which seemed the likeliest of the four bills voted, failed to get the required 60 votes, which went down in 54-45 vote. This outcome was partly influenced by remarks from president Trump who called the bill "a total catastrophe" hours before voting commenced.

The republican bill that then backed by Trump was outstandingly failed, as 14 republican senators opposed it, with votes going 60-39 against it.

Democratic leader Chuck Shumer expressed his annoyance at Trump's uncompromising approach, which is making efforts to find a deal in Congress difficult. He said: "This vote is proof that President Trump's plan will never become law. If he would stop torpedoing bipartisan efforts, a good bill would pass".

Another bill that focused on Dreamers and border security, by Republican John McCain and Democrat Chris Coons, failed on a 52-47 vote while the fourth proposal that proposes punishing "sanctuary cities" that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts, was rejected too.

"It looks like demagogues on the left and the right win again on immigration," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

This is the latest of failed attempts by the senate to agree on a comprehensive immigration plan in recent times. The White House in a statement however blames Democrats for this recent outcome labeling them "unserious about immigration reform and homeland security."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, agrees with the White House, blaming Democrats for the deadlock. He said: "This does not have to be the end of our efforts to resolve these matters, I would encourage members to put away the talking points to get serious about finding a solution that can actually become law."

The Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are due to start expiring on March 5, as ordered by president Trump but federal judges have blocked Trump's order from taking effect amid litigation in San Francisco and New York Courts.

Republican Senator Bob Corker while speaking with some reporters said there could be debate to provide a short-term extension to protect Dreamers from deportation, on a government funding bill that Congress must pass by March 23.

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