Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz announced an amendment to the Senate immigration bill to block a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants on Wednesday.
Cruz previously attempted to insert the amendment to prevent a pathway in the Judiciary Committee mark-up of the legislation.
The Texas Republican has been a vocal opponent of allowing illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, explaining that is is unfair to those who waited in line to come to the country legally.
“A path to citizenship is the most divisive aspect of this bill,” Cruz told “The Fine Point” earlier this month. “And the White House is insisting on it.”
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez later claimed Cruz was “Obamaphobic” for his opposition to a pathway to citizenship. Cruz fired back on Twitter: “If supporting real immigration reform, not path to citizenship is ‘Obamaphobia.’ guilty as charged. RT if you’re a fellow ‘Obamaphobic.’”
“Providing a path to citizenship undermines the rule of law and is an insult to the millions who have immigrated to the U.S. legally,” a statement Cruz’s office said. “This Amendment prevents those currently here illegally who are offered legal status under this Act from obtaining citizenship.”
In addition putting forth the amendment blocking a pathway to citizenship, Cruz announced additional amendments to add more border security triggers, prohibit federal, state and local entitlement benefits for immigrants granted legal status, and offered others that would simplify the visa procress and increase high-skilled temporary worker visas.