President Donald Trump went into the lion’s den on Wednesday and told a gathering at the Latino Coalition Legislative Summit in Washington, DC., that Democrats are stalling a bipartisan plan “because they don’t care about the immigration system or reform.”
Despite an outcry last month over a new bill to replace the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order put in place by former President Barack Obama but which Trump has moved to phase out, Democrats have not been forthcoming to negotiate a bill that can pass Congress, he said.
“We’re trying to have a DACA victory for everybody, by the way. And the Democrats are nowhere to be found,” Trump said. “They’re nowhere to be found.”
“The Senate Democrats filibustered our plan because they don’t care about the immigration system or reform, and they don’t want to solve the problem. They would rather use it to get elected. That’s not working so well,” he said.
Trump said there is broad support for the bill of reforms currently stuck in Congress. “These reforms are supported by the vast majority of Latino voters. In fact, more than 8 in 10 Latino voters think immigration to our country should be based on skill, not just a relationship with people you don’t even know,” the president said.
“This is the mainstream view of all Americans, including Latinos,” he said.
Trump has been vocal about the delay, posting several critical tweets on Twitter. But he told the gathering of prominent Latinos that time is running out. “This is our time. This is our moment. Go get DACA. Go push those Democrats. I’m telling you. So this is a moment for DACA, for all of us. But this is a very special moment. “
President Trump delivered his remarks to the Latino Coalition’s annual business conference, where he praised the businessmen and women in the room for their entrepreneurial spirit.
“I’m thrilled to be here with so many of our incredible leaders in the Latino business community. And you folks are good business people. I know that. I know that for a fact. I’ve had to compete against you for a long time. In fact, I said, I want to get out of that; I want to be president. It’s easier,” he joked.
Trump praised the Latino community and the power their businesses have in helping the economy. He also touted the fact that Latinos are experiencing the lowest unemployment rate in 48 years.
“America First is about unity,” he said. “It’s about coming together as one family, one big, beautiful American family. No matter our race, or color, or creed, to protect our jobs, our communities, and our country, we want all Americans to thrive and flourish together.”
Watch the speech below: