Sen. Cruz Calls GOP Immigration Plan 'Amnesty'

Thinks it would be a mistake

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Thursday blasted as "amnesty" a House GOP plan to give legal status to millions of immigrants living in the country illegally. 

"I think it would be a mistake if House Republicans were to support amnesty for those here illegally," he said when asked about the proposal to be outlined in the House GOP's immigration principles.

Other Republicans in the House who support the plan have gone to great lengths to dispel the notion that granting legal status would be amnesty. 

During a Bloomberg News breakfast, Cruz said the immigration focus should be on border security and streamlining legal immigration. He mentioned another proposal he supported to increase visas for high-skilled workers.