May 13, 2015

Democrat surprised by uproar over immigration provision

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) says he's been surprised by the outcry from Republicans against his measure that would allow the Pentagon to consider allowing children who entered the United States illegally to serve in the military.

Gallego said the measure he successfully added to an defense bill is relatively simple, and would just ask the Pentagon if allowing the so-called "Dreamers" to serve would be possible.

He also noted in an exclusive interview with The Hill that some of the undocumented immigrants already serve in the armed forces, and that his measure is a "sense of Congress" that wouldn't have the power of law.

"This bill doesn't have any force of law behind it," he said. "That's is why a lot of us are shocked by how radical the conversation has become over the last couple of weeks because of the fringe of the Republican Party."

The House is set to consider the defense bill in the next few weeks.

Republicans argue Gallego's amendment would give "amnesty" to illegal immigrants.

Watch the video above to hear Gallego discuss his measure.


Source: By Molly K. Hooper, The Hill