Trump opens door to immigration deal, but Republicans have one condition

Some Senate Republicans say they are open to discussing immigration reform after President Donald Trump suggested some long-term undocumented residents might be able to “work a deal”. The shift follows midterm losses and polling that found 53% of voters thought Trump’s immigration policy had gone too far, but Republicans say any agreement must exclude amnesty.

Trump made the remarks in a “60 Minutes” interview, while Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin quickly said there would be no amnesty. Senator Thom Tillis has argued for codifying border measures alongside merit-based immigration reform, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Republicans will hear proposals. A bipartisan border deal negotiated in 2024 collapsed after Trump opposed it; Senator James Lankford may again be involved in negotiations next year.