Sessions: 'We should be like Canada' in how we take in immigrants

Attorney General Jeff SessionsJefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsGOP strategist donates to Alabama Democrat House passes concealed carry gun bill Rosenstein to testify before House Judiciary Committee next week MORE on Tuesday called for stricter immigration laws and increased vetting of individuals entering the U.S. amid a heated debate between Congress and the White House over immigration reform.

“What the American people want, have a right to, and what’s good for America is a lawful system of immigration. And when we admit people to our country, we should be like Canada,” Sessions said on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”

“We should evaluate them and make sure they are going to be lawful, they are not threats to us, they have the education and skills level to prosper in America. That’s good for them and good for America,” Sessions added. 

Sessions said President TrumpDonald John TrumpHouse Democrat slams Donald Trump Jr. for ‘serious case of amnesia’ after testimony Skier Lindsey Vonn: I don’t want to represent Trump at Olympics Poll: 4 in 10 Republicans think senior Trump advisers had improper dealings with Russia MORE is not against immigration, but the country should vet potential immigrants and accept those who will be successful in the U.S.

A group of six bipartisan senators are expected to release an immigration and border security bill on Wednesday, though the Trump administration has already expressed disapproval for the measure.

The bill is expected to include a solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, $2.7 billion for border security — including a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border — and changes to the diversity lottery program.

Sessions on Tuesday ripped the proposal, saying it does not have “any prospect of success.” Instead, he called for Congress to support a more aggressive immigration bill presented by Rep. Bob GoodlatteRobert (Bob) William GoodlatteRosenstein to testify before House Judiciary Committee next week Conservative pressure on Sessions grows Clock ticking down on NSA surveillance powers MORE (R-Va.). 

“We’re going to have some votes in Congress. People need to be held to account or you are going to fix this system, create a system that protects America,” Sessions said.

The group of six senators has indicated their bill has growing support, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP strategist donates to Alabama Democrat McConnell names Senate GOP tax conferees Brent Budowsky: A plea to Alabama voters MORE said he will only bring the legislation to the floor if Trump will sign it. 

The president cast a shadow over immigration negotiations when during a meeting with lawmakers last week he referred to Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries.” 

Trump has also blamed Democrats for a failure to reach an immigration deal.