Homeland security cash stand-off over US migrant policy

PRESIDENT Barack Obama and Congress are at loggerheads over homeland security’s $40bn (£26bn) budget, with time running out to secure a deal.

Republicans, who control Congress, are seeking to remove funding for Mr Obama’s attempt to save undocumented immigrants from deportation.

The department of homeland security protects the US borders, and guards against disasters and terror attacks.

Its current funding plan is due to end on Friday.

Mr Obama’s plan to temporarily lift the threat of deportation for about five million undocumented immigrants has become a sticking point between the two parties.

For the fourth time Senate Democrats rejected House-passed legislation on Monday night that funds the department through the budget year while also blocking Obama’s immigration policy.

Speaking to a conference of US governors earlier on Monday, Mr Obama told them a shutdown would have a “direct impact” on their state economies and on security.

“We can’t afford to play politics with our national security,” he said.

The decision last week by US District Judge Andrew Hanen gives a coalition of 26 states time to pursue a lawsuit arguing Mr Obama has overstepped his powers.

The justice department says they will seek a stay allowing the policies to continue as the case moves forward but the outcome of that appeal is unclear.

Some Republican senators have said funding DHS should now go ahead, given the federal judge’s ruling.