Presidential hopeful Beto O’Rourke released a plan Wednesday morning for reforming and rebuilding the country’s immigration system that would reverse many of the actions taken by President Trump and send the message that the United States once again welcomes and celebrates immigrants. But O’Rourke avoided getting involved with attempts at sweeping immigration reform during his six years in the House of Representatives, during which the United States saw a massive influx of Central American asylum seekers and unaccompanied children arriving at the southern border. Although Trump has made immigration a key part of his presidency, O’Rourke is only the second Democratic presidential candidate to release a formal, detailed plan with alternative ideas. O’Rourke also called for strengthened asylum and refugee protection systems in Mexico and across the region to better manage the flow of migrants. “It cannot simply be a president proposing legislation or making the case nationally.”Maria Sacchetti contributed to this report.

Source: Washington Post May 29, 2019 14:13 UTC