Mitch McConnell: No DACA deal until 2018

CLOSE

We break down what DACA is and what it could mean for thousands of immigrants. USA TODAY

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday Congress would not address an Obama-era immigration program that affects nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants until 2018. 

Facing a Friday deadline to avoid a government shutdown, some Democrats insisted a spending bill include a solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, but McConnell's comments indicated any deal wouldn't be finalized until next year.

"Senator Schumer and I have discussed it. No, we’ll not be doing DACA this week," McConnell said in an interview with Fox News' Brett Baier. "That’s a matter to be discussed next year. The president has given us until March to address that issue. We have plenty of time to do it."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday Democrats and Republicans continued to negotiate the issue, but wouldn't indicate if he'd support a spending bill that did not include a DACA fix. "I’m hopeful that we won’t get to that," he added.

More: Congress faces deadline to save DREAMers, which could come to a head this week

More: Congress rushes to pass spending bill, avert a government shutdown heading into Christmas holidays

President Trump announced in September his plans to end the program March 5 if Congress doesn't act.

DACA protects undocumented immigrants — known as DREAMers — brought to the U.S. before age 16 attending school or serving in the military who have not committed any serious crimes. They are granted work permits and deportation protection for two years, which can be renewed.

Contributing: Alan Gomez, Michael Collins