Trump welcomes Democrat visit to US-Mexico border

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump lauded a visit by senior Democrats to the U.S.-Mexico border, saying it would show them that the immigration issue was not a "manufactured crisis".

"Senator Chuck Schumer has finally gone to the southern border with some Democrat Senators. This is a GREAT thing!" Trump said on Twitter on Sunday, adding: "Nearby, he missed a large group of Illegal Immigrants trying to enter the USA illegally."

"They wildly rushed Border Patrol. Some Agents were badly injured," he said.

Trump stressed that Schumer must have seen "how dangerous and bad" for the U.S. the border is. It is not a "manufactured crisis", added Trump, defending his policy on migration flow.

"He said he wants to meet. I will set up a meeting ASAP!" Trump said.

On Friday, Senator Schumer paid a visit to the migrant detention facilities at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"What we saw today in facilities at the southern border was unbearable, inhumane, heartbreaking. Migrants and families and kids coming to America searching for a better life CANNOT be treated this way," said Schumer on Twitter.

"This is not who we are. This must end. Now," he added.

Schumer stressed that immigrants were coming to the U.S. in search of a better life, only to be locked in cages.

"The Senate Democrats and I pushed Border Patrol leadership hard," said Schumer. "These are decisions from the top of the Trump admin. We must pass our bill to help end it - the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act," he added.

- Migration in Central America

Mexico is one stop on the road to the U.S. where thousands of migrants from Central American countries begin their journey for asylum, in a bid to flee violence and poverty in their home countries.

Meanwhile, scores of migrants are grappling with the U.S. anti-migrant policy at the border.

Trump has pursued a hardline approach on immigration, both legal and illegal, since coming to office. He particularly singled out Mexico for what he says was a lack of action to stem migrant flows, where people are fleeing destitute conditions, including rampant poverty and gang violence, in the hopes of securing safety or asylum in the U.S.

Although Trump announced in May that the U.S. would put tariffs on imports of Mexican goods, the two countries reached an agreement in June to avoid increased duties, forcing Mexico to reduce migrant flows.