MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 31st December, 2018) Senior Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said US President Donald Trump was open to trading migrant protections for $5 billion in border wall funding with Democrats to end the partial government shutdown.
"I think that's in the realm of possibility. The president didn't commit, but I think he's very open-minded," the senator told reporters outside the White House on Sunday.
He added he knew some Democrats who would give money for the wall and border security if Trump guarantees that "Dreamer" immigrants, who came to the country as children, and people from areas ravaged by wars or natural disasters could stay.
"Hopefully, we can get some serious discussion started maybe as soon as next week," Graham said.
President Trump later again made a case for the wall in a tweet on Sunday night, saying the barrier was crucial for US security.
"President and Mrs. Obama built/has a ten foot Wall around their D.C. mansion/compound. I agree, totally necessary for their safety and security. The U.S. needs the same thing, slightly larger version!" he wrote.
Federal government agencies have been partially closed since December 22 after Democratic lawmakers refused to meet Trump's demand for money to build the disputed wall on the US-Mexico border. The president rejected a Democratic deal that included $1.3 billion in border funding.
