Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) told CNN on Friday that the 300,000 undocumented immigrants attempting to enter the country are jeopardizing the “American dream” of legal immigration. He said it was hindering him.
Fetterman spoke to CNN's “The Read” anchor Jake Tapper about the current immigration crisis, arguing that waves of immigrants are making the immigration system “difficult.” Although he said he is a big supporter of legal immigration, he called for “secure borders” and questioned why his progressive critics would take issue with that.
Fetterman condemns 'genocide' against Israel in South Africa amid unrest and crime: 'Shut up'
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn. Jake Tapper told a CNN reporter that he needs to secure the US southern border.
Tapper asked him about recent criticism from the left for his pro-Israel and border security stance: “Why do you think he's been criticized by so many progressives?”
The lawmaker replied, “Honestly, I don't understand it. I don't understand why deciding to side with Israel in this situation would be controversial for anyone. Honestly, I don't understand why saying it's necessary would be controversial.” . secure borders. ”
“In fact, it's clear that it was used as a weapon against me.” [by] “Republicans in my race know that I'm a strong supporter of immigration, and, you know, my wife's family, that's the origin story,” he added.
Fetterman said he is very supportive of legal immigration and also supports securing the southern border. “And I think two things are true at the same time: We can be very pro-immigration, but we also need secure borders,” he declared.
He added, noting how the influx of illegal border crossers is making it harder for legal immigrants to come to the United States. [what] Regarding immigration, I want to offer the American dream to all immigrants. But with 300,000 people showing up at the border, it seems very difficult to do that. ”
Fetterman says progressives who refused purity tests at the border 'want me to die'
The Democrat has recently gained attention for taking more conservative positions on hot-button issues. (Bill Clark)
Fetterman ended by proposing a “reset” of U.S. border security, saying Republican and Democratic lawmakers “need to work together and develop new comprehensive solutions” to resolve the crisis. insisted.
For the past few months, Fetterman has been highlighting problems at the U.S. southern border and calling on members of Congress to come together to find solutions to fix them.
he said Politico in December“It's a reasonable conversation, and Democrats should be involved. It's a reasonable conversation, and Democrats should be involved.”
Mr. Fetterman's position on the border reflects what many of his critics claim to be critical of. unlikely change, Since taking office, he has gone from looking like a run-of-the-mill progressive to now taking seemingly more conservative positions on many of today's hot-button issues.
His party's unwavering support for Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, support for border security, and condemnation of Sen. Bob Menendez (D.N.J.) of federal bribery. The charges brought against him have made conservatives feel more comfortable with the new lawmaker.
Fox News Digital's Kyle Morris contributed to this report.
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