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Murray Calls Trump Immigration Policy 'Very Wrongheaded'

In a visit to Olympia on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray called President Trump's immigration policy ''very wrongheaded'' and called for comprehensive immigration reform.
Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
In a visit to Olympia on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray called President Trump's immigration policy ''very wrongheaded'' and called for comprehensive immigration reform.

This week, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security announced an aggressive plan to deport people who are in the United States illegally and who run afoul of the law.

On a visit to Olympia on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray described the policy as “very wrongheaded.”

Murray, a Democrat, said what’s needed is comprehensive immigration reform. Instead, she said President Trump is inviting chaos with his approach.

“Tearing families apart, hurting our economy, leaving people living in the shadows,” Murray said.

The president’s spokesman said it’s about allowing immigration agents to “enforce the laws of the country.” But Murray said Trump’s policy will hurt families and the economy and that she is “deeply worried about its implementation.”

Under the president’s plan, minor criminal offenses as well as misuse of public benefits could subject someone to deportation.

Murray said her staff is working with Washington residents who might be affected by the new Homeland Security rules.

Copyright 2017 Northwest News Network

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy as well as the Washington State legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia." Prior to joining the Northwest News Network, Austin worked as a television reporter in Seattle, Portland and Boise. Austin is a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle and Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut. Austin’s reporting has been recognized with awards from the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Austin Jenkins
Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."