By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A letter from a Chicago alderman to President Donald Trump could lead to conversation with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over immigration.

Alderman Raymond Lopez wrote to the president and proposed that noncitizens with clean criminal records in the country for more than 10 years pay a $2,500 fee to gain pardon and amnesty.

Lopez’ plan also would allow U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to expedite the removal of more recent arrivals who don’t have pending merit hearing cases.

“Separating the Biden/Harris migrants from the long-term undocumented is a must,” Lopez told The Center Square.

In his letter, Lopez wrote to Trump that addressing the “unchecked influx of migrants” that entered the country under former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris “has rightly been among your highest domestic priorities.”

Lopez said cities like Chicago, Portland, New York and others have taken the opportunity to push back on Trump’s efforts to secure the borders, secure communities and enforce the laws enacted by Congress.

The alderman reminded the president that he promised during the campaign to go after the most dangerous noncitizens across the country and also shared his support for a pathway for eligible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) residents.

When asked by The Center Square, Pritzker did not rule out using Lopez’ letter as the basis for dialogue with Trump over immigration.

“I’m always open to a conversation with the president. I will say that when he does things like threatens to jail the mayor of Chicago, the governor of Illinois, the governor of California, etcetera, it makes it all the more difficult,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker said he has long advocated for immigration reform.

Lopez, a Chicago Democrat, said Pritzker’s comments were interesting but added that the governor’s rhetoric has not exactly matched what Lopez proposed.

The alderman said his letter has drawn a lot of interest because it is so pragmatic.

“Especially when it is offered from a Democrat to a Republican as a way to find a middle ground,” Lopez suggested.

Lopez said there could be movement on the issue even if the president does not respond specifically to his letter.

“Many members within the administration, even secretary-level members, are discussing and beginning to draw plans for what a possible, potential amnesty program looks like in the United States,” Lopez said.

Lopez promised a campaign to raise awareness in Illinois and particularly in Chicago.