On Sunday evening, US senators revealed the details of a $118 billion package encompassing federal enforcement policy on the US-Mexico border alongside crucial wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. The proposal aims to navigate through resistance from skeptical House Republicans, accused by Democrats of politicizing immigration and aligning closely with Donald Trump.
This legislative move presents an opportunity for President Joe Biden to strengthen the diminishing US wartime aid for Ukraine, a bipartisan goal shared by Senate leaders Chuck Schumer (Democrat) and Mitch McConnell (Republican). Despite facing opposition from conservatives, a key test vote on the legislation is expected in the Senate this week.
Biden urged Congress to pass the bill, emphasizing its significance for both immigration reform and support to US allies. The proposed legislation is described by Biden as including "the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades."
The current congressional deadlock on approving $60 billion in Ukraine aid has led to the suspension of ammunition and missile shipments to Kyiv, leaving Ukrainian forces at a disadvantage against Russian troops.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by the US and its allies globally, emphasizing the need for the proposed legislation. To overcome opposition from House Republicans, McConnell insisted on including border policy changes in the national security funding package last year.
The bill outlines significant changes to the asylum system, introducing faster and stricter enforcement measures. It grants presidents new powers to expel migrants immediately if authorities feel overwhelmed by the influx of undocumented individuals seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border.
Key features include a federal requirement to close the border if more than 5,000 undocumented individuals daily attempt to cross. The bill also proposes swiftly rejecting economic migrants and implementing measures to voluntarily turn away individuals when daily arrivals approach 4,000.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema outlined these provisions, emphasizing that a rapid implementation of the new system would dissuade those seeking economic opportunities from making the perilous journey to the border. Additionally, the draft bill aims to expedite the processing time for successful asylum applications.
The legislation addresses several Republican demands, including ending the practice of allowing individuals to stay in the US while their asylum applications are processed, commonly known as "catch and release."
Despite these efforts, the Senate bill is anticipated to face resistance from Republican leaders in the House, aligning with Donald Trump's opposition to the deal. The political dynamics surrounding immigration are likely to persist as the issue remains contentious in the lead-up to the presidential election year.