WASHINGTON — Republicans will remain focused on a security-first approach to immigration if they win control of the Senate, Sen. John Cornyn said Monday.
“Our Democrat friends want to eat dessert before they eat their vegetables on immigration,” he said. “Is a Republican-controlled Congress going to pass a quick pathway to citizenship? No.”
Cornyn — the No. 2 Senate Republican — told The Dallas Morning News’ editorial board that President Barack Obama would be unwise to use executive authority to issue sweeping immigration policies.
“I just can’t think of anything that would poison the well more,” said Cornyn, who is expected to cruise to a third term over Democratic nominee David Alameel, a Dallas investor and dentist.
Immigration advocates have long accused Cornyn and other Republicans of using security demands to deflect broader reforms.
Cornyn said a piecemeal approach would lead eventually to congressional votes on ways for people in the country illegally to “earn a legal status.” But first, he insisted, the government must secure the border, create a system for employers to check potential workers’ legal status, and find and remove foreigners whose visas have expired.
Obama’s hand would be badly weakened if Republicans take control of the Senate in the November elections.
One looming battle will be over a replacement for Attorney General Eric Holder, who resigned last week. Cornyn welcomed that. For years, he has accused Holder of turning the Justice Department into a political arm of the White House.
He named one potential nominee he might find acceptable: Kathryn Ruemmler, who held the No. 3 job at Justice and served as a White House counsel to Obama.
“I’m sure he’s not waiting for my recommendation. That might be the kiss of death,” Cornyn said.
When it comes to the looming 2016 presidential race, Cornyn sounded tepid about the state’s junior senator, Ted Cruz.
“We have a number of governors that have had good experience running things, which will make them attractive,” Cornyn said.
He also poked at Alameel.
“He used to be a supporter of mine and he used to be an active Republican donor,” Cornyn said.
Alameel donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to top Texas Republicans through 2008. Cornyn got $15,500 in 2004 and 2005. In April, he turned down Alameel’s refund request.
Follow Todd J. Gillman on Twitter at @toddgillman.
