Possible Immigration Compromise in the Works

Some Democrats on Capitol Hill say they’re open to legislation that would expedite the process of deporting illegal minors arriving in droves from Central America.

At issue is the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a 2008 law requiring court hearings for minors who arrive from noncontiguous countries (anywhere other than Mexico or Canada). Republicans in Congress want to grant the federal government the authority to treat illegal Central American minors the same way minors from Mexico are treated, allowing for them to be deported quickly unless they can convince Border Patrol agents that they have legitimate reasons to fear returning home, which would merit additional screening.

“It’s not a deal breaker,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Thursday. ““Let them have their face-saver. But let us have the resources to do what we have to do.” She went on to say that any changes to the law must ensure due process to migrant children.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was open to any proposals and would not block any attempts at a deal.

Not all Democrats are on board, however. Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy said at a hearing that he would “fight tooth and nail” to prevent changes to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, noting that among the immigrant children are girls attempting to flee sexual violence and gang warfare.

Talk of Democratic willingness to compromise came after House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said they didn’t want to give President Obama a “blank check” to deal with the humanitarian crisis on the southern border. Mr. Obama recently requested $3.7 billion in emergency funds to address the issue, blaming Congress’ failure to come up with a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year.