U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego sees opening for deals with Trump on immigration, Social Security

Arizona U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego says he sees opportunities to work with President Donald Trump on immigration reform and Social Security, but warns political clashes could complicate negotiations.

Speaking Friday with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show, Gallego said Democrats should make an effort to find common ground with the Republican president.

“He has publicly said he’s willing to look at immigration reform,” Gallego said. “I’m willing to go and work with that.”

What could an immigration deal include? Ruben Gallego shares ideas

Gallego outlined an approach that would allow some immigrants living in the country illegally to obtain legal status after paying a fine and undergoing a full background check.

He pointed to people who have American citizen children, established roots in their communities and no serious criminal history.

“I think those people should have to pay a fine. It could even be a hefty fine they pay off for a couple years, [and then they] could go through a full background check and then they get some type of status. Doesn’t necessarily have to even be a path to citizenship,” Gallego suggested.

Gallego credited Trump with securing the border, arguing that creates an opportunity to address the status of people already living in the United States.

“Republicans have been saying forever, as soon as we got a secure border, we’re willing to talk about immigration reform,” he said.

Gallego also advocated for a more flexible temporary worker program, arguing that the legal immigration system should offer a workable alternative to entering the country illegally.

He suggested Trump could be uniquely positioned to bring Republicans on board with an agreement.

“He’s probably the only one that can get the Republicans to actually do it,” Gallego said.

Social Security offers another opening for working across the aisle, Ruben Gallego says

One issue looming over the next decade is Social Security. Current projections suggest the program’s retirement trust fund could run short of reserves around 2032. Benefits would still be paid, but without congressional action, recipients could face automatic cuts of roughly 22% to 24%, which Gallego addressed.

“There’s a lot of people that can’t take that hit,” Gallego said.

Gallego also pointed to Trump’s past campaign promises to protect Social Security and Medicare as a possible foundation for negotiations.

“I think the the two areas that that he can be known for in legacy-making will be immigration reform. It’s kind of like Nixon goes to China, right?” Gallego said.

Political fights between Republicans and Democrats could get in the way

Despite those opportunities, Gallego said disputes between Trump and Democrats could interrupt deal-making.

If Democrats pursue impeachment or other accountability measures, Gallego said, Trump could stop negotiating rather than keep those disagreements separate from legislative discussions.

Still, Gallego said trying to reach agreements remains important.

“We’re going to try,” he said. “I think it’s important that we make it a go.”

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