Chuck Schumer calls for mass amnesty for 11 MILLION illegal immigrants

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the immigration deal he wants to pursue in the Senate would guarantee citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants currently living in the United States.

Schumer made the remarks during an appearance on Morning Joe on MSNOW, where he was asked what kind of immigration agreement he hopes to advance in the Senate. He pointed to a 2013 “bipartisan” framework that had the support of then-Senator John McCain as a model.

Schumer said that he would back a similar bill that “toughens up the border” while also providing a “path to citizenship” for “11 million people who are here.” He added that such a bill would also allow high-tech workers needed by industries to enter the country. 

“That’s the way to go,” Schumer claimed.

Senate Democrats have continued to oppose Republican efforts aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. On Tuesday, Senate Democrats blocked a spending bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, demanding measures that would curb ongoing immigration enforcement. 

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Schumer said that no progress has been made in negotiations and said the White House has not been receptive to Democratic demands. Those demands include unmasking federal agents, requiring them to obtain judicial warrants, and increasing oversight from states where they are operating.

“We’ve heard crickets from them — nothing,” Schumer said. “They’re not negotiating. They’re just trying to pass paper back and forth with no real changes.”

Last year, republicans allocated $75 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection. The agencies could continue to draw on those funds if a shutdown occurs.