“The deal works best when each side gets what they need from the other side.”
This is a quote from President Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal, in an attempt to advance his campaign promise, including his signature pledge to fix the American immigration system. It's great guidance.
Since taking office, Trump has issued executive orders for immigration Focused on “enhanced review” for visa applicants, End birthright citizenship, Send National Guard to the bordermodify the asylum process, suppress refugee programs, give them some names.
These may be effective in changing how the law is enforced in the short term, but executive action does not change the underlying law. It requires Congress and works with Democrats.
Trump has good and bad news on that front. The good news is that several Democrats have publicly expressed their willingness to work with him in areas of common concern, including immigration. The bad news is that his window into working with these Democrats may be closed as Republican leadership represents them from Congressional negotiations.
If Trump is permanently concerned about immigration changes, not just performance, he should take the phone and talk to these Democrats. He may be surprised at what he has heard.
Taken Rep. Tom Suozzi (DN.Y.), he wrote January OP-ed The New York Times calls on Democrats to abandon the idea of resistance. “Only by working together to compromise on part of the presidential election agenda, we can make progress for Americans who are clearly demanding change in the economy, immigration, crime and other top-level issues. You can,” he writes.
Another major Democratic advocate for Common Sense immigration policy is Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), who recently voted on behalf of the border district. Raiken Riley Law (Trump's only immigration bill of the first month). He has Consistently called for strong enforcement at the border.
Then there's Rep. Marie Grusenkamp Perez (D-Wash.). This is a proud Blue Dog Democrat who has consistently criticised her party for placing the state's political objectives on issues that are important to its members. “I think 90% of Americans agree with about 90% of the issues.” She said. She has expressed openness to working with Trump on everything from fentanyl and the border to inflation and budgets.
Her blue dog colleague, Congressman Jared Golden (D Maine) You can also cooperate He has expressed his support for what remains of Trump's Mexican policy. Golden is a Democrat criticised his party During the election, the election is due to the constant assertion that Trump will bring about the end of democracy.
Others, such as Josh Gottimer (DN.J.) and Don Davis (DN.C.), are on similar boats and appear in good faith in the negotiation room. But I rarely sit at the table with Republicans.
These Democrats don't agree with Trump on any issue and endure him frequently, but their willingness to work together in the overlap field is in line with most Americans. More than three in four voters say they want Congressional Democrats to “find a common foundation” with the Trump administration.
It's difficult when Trump appears to prefer to go alone. He has signed 68 executive actions and counted to impose unilateral changes on many issues. Courts aren't the only issue with this approach. He should know that by now the executive order is temporary. They can be reversed by a future president. Legislative measures, on the other hand, are durable.
The Democrat willing to work with Trump is the very person who can help him achieve his lasting legacy of reform. If he ignores them now – if he waits until he has no other option but to seek their support, he may realize that the window of opportunity is past.
When he is ready to put his deal on test, Trump should start with immigration, but there are plenty of similar opportunities for permits, energy, inflation and even government reform efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency. Persistent change.
Trump isn't getting everything he wants of these Democrats on a particular issue, but that's exactly how negotiations go. And Trump understands that well. He wrote the book.
Dan Webb is a There are no labels Chicago board member and former US attorney.
