Republican senators have introduced legislation to fully fund President Trump’s request of $25 billion for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
“The WALL Act would fully fund the border wall by closing existing loopholes that provide illegal immigrants with federal benefits and tax credits, without affecting the benefits and tax credits used by Americans,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in a statement on Thursday.
{mosads}To pay for the border wall, the Republicans propose to crack down on benefits for undocumented immigrants, including requiring that parents have a Social Security number to claim refundable tax credits, requiring any welfare applicants to prove they are a citizen and increasing minimum fines on individuals who cross the border illegally or overstay visas.
“If you want to receive food stamps and other benefits, then you should prove your citizenship. If you cross the border illegally or overstay your visit to this country, then you should pay a stiff penalty,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) added.
In addition to Kennedy and Cruz, the bill was introduced by Sens. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
The legislation, which is unlikely to go anywhere, comes amid a stalled out fight over the border. Congress has until the end of the day Friday to prevent a partial government shutdown.
The House’s bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security would give Trump $5 billion for the border, while the Senate’s bill would provide $1.6 billion.