Republicans folded on immigration deal

In the Feb. 15 Daily Herald, Eileen Dwyer of Vernon Hills lays the blame for immigration troubles at the door of Congress. As a reminder: Congress was close to a bipartisan agreement on immigration reform until Donald Trump, then a candidate for a second term as president, quashed support from Republican members of the House and Senate because he did not want President Biden to be credited with achieving immigration reform. Like trained lapdogs, Republicans withdrew their support to do Trump's bidding.

Donald Trump, with his singular focus on what benefits himself, bears responsibility for the ensuring chaos, brutality by ICE agents, incarceration of citizens and immigrants here legally and the killings of at least two American citizens. Don't blame the entire Congress.

Democrats in Congress were ready to move forward with the bipartisan immigration reform package. Cowardly Republicans were unwilling to oppose Trump, as they have in almost every matter arising since his inauguration to a second term. The standing of our country in the world and the rights of citizens and non-citizens in this country are much the worse as a result of their cowardice.

Laura J. Graf

St. Charles