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Portman Says He Agrees With Trump In Part On Immigration Reform, But Splits With Him On Deportations

Karen Kasler
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) speaks at an AARP event in Columbus Thursday.

Ohio’s Republican US Senator says he’s not completely on board with his party’s presidential candidate on immigration – a day after Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech promising a crackdown on illegal immigration and large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Rob Portman said he didn’t watch the speech because he’s been on the road campaigning for re-election. Portman said he does agree with Trump that the immigration system is broken, but beyond that, he differs with the nominee.

“I’ve supported immigration reform, but I have not supported the deportations of millions of non-citizens who are here because I don’t think it’s practical and I don’t think it would be humane for a lot of those families,” Portman said.

It’s estimated some six million Americans could be deported under Trump’s immigration plan. Portman has taken some heat for his support of Trump, while a handful of Ohio leaders, including Gov. John Kasich, have refused to back him.

Contact Karen at 614-578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.
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