Congress Has The Ability To Fix Immigration Crisis, Obama Says

Enlarge this image toggle caption Jacquelyn Martin/AP Jacquelyn Martin/AP

President Obama said Wednesday that Congress has the ability to address the problem of thousands of unaccompanied children and teenagers illegally crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S.

"Right now, Congress has the capacity to work with us, work with state officials, local officials and faith-based groups and non-for-profits who are helping to care for these kids," he said in Dallas.

Obama added that it is unlikely the minors will be allowed to stay in the U.S.

"We intend to do the right thing by these children," he said. "Their parents need to know that this is an incredibly dangerous situation, and it is unlikely that their children will be able to stay."

Obama's remarks followed a meeting in Dallas with faith leaders and local officials, including Texas Gov. Rick Perry, to discuss the situation at the border.

Here's more from The Associated Press:

"Obama says Perry raised four areas of concern and made suggestions. Obama says he doesn't have a philosophical objection to anything Perry suggested. He says if Congress passes his emergency funding request, the government will have ... resources to take some of the steps Perry recommended. Obama says the problem is fixable if lawmakers are interested in solving it. He says if the preference is for politics, it won't be solved."

On Tuesday, the White House asked Congress for $3.7 billion to address the humanitarian crisis.

As we reported Tuesday:

"The statement said the funds would cover domestic enforcement, repatriation and reintegration of migrants, transportation costs, additional immigration judges, prosecutors and litigation attorneys to 'ensure cases are processed fairly and as quickly as possible.' "

The money also would pay for the care of the children and teenagers who are in the country illegally.

NPR's Scott Horsley also reported on the immigrants at the border. He said:

"While the administration has tried to warn Central Americans that youngsters who cross the border illegally won't be allowed to remain in this country, the reality is that most do get at least a temporary reprieve to stay here. That word has spread in communities where any escape from violence and poverty is often seen as worth the gamble. What's more, as the number of border crossers grows, so does the backlog in immigration courts."

If you're wondering what's causing the latest crisis at the border, NPR's Alan Greenblatt has an explainer; and NPR's Frank James reports on the politics of Obama's visit to Texas.