Senators Unveil Border Deal to Free Up Ukraine Aid, but Outcome Still Unclear
TL/DR –
Senate Republicans and Democrats have proposed a $118.3 billion bill to strengthen border security and provide security aid to Ukraine. The bill, which emerged from bipartisan talks, features measures such as expanded detention capacity, stricter asylum claim restrictions, and the potential for border closure if unlawful migration exceeds a certain limit. However, the bill is facing backlash from House leaders, who have vowed to block it, and it is also opposed by former President Donald J. Trump and some right-wing Republicans for not being sufficiently restrictive, while left-wing Democrats consider it too harsh.
Senate Compromise Bill Targets Unlawful Migration and Aids Ukraine
Senate Republicans and Democrats proposed a $118.3 billion compromise bill on Sunday to curb unlawful migration across the U.S.-Mexico border and expedite crucial security aid to Ukraine. House leaders’ backlash, however, jeopardizes the deal’s prospects in a sharply divided Congress.
The bill, a result of three months of near-daily bipartisan talks and Biden administration officials, is a notable breakthrough on a contentious issue that has stymied successive presidents. However, House leaders have dismissed the bill, promising to block it from becoming law.
Despite House opposition, President Biden urged Congress to pass the bill quickly, challenging House Republicans to address the border issue rather than politicizing it.
Significant Border Security Measures in the Bill
The bill introduces significant restrictions on border security, such as making asylum claims more challenging, expanding detention facilities, and shutting down the border to new entrants under specific conditions.
However, opposition from House Republican leaders and public campaigning against the deal by Donald J. Trump questions its passage through the Democratic-led Senate.
Funding and Shortcomings of the Compromise Bill
The compromise includes $20.2 billion for border security improvements, $60.1 billion for Ukraine, and $24.1 billion for other areas. It falls short of Republican demands, like ramping up border wall construction, alienating right-wing Republicans and enraging progressive Democrats.
Passage through the Senate requires bipartisan support, with fierce opposition in the GOP-led House.
Political Maneuvering Around the Compromise Bill
House Republicans insist on a border deal that mirrors a restrictive bill they passed last spring. The House plans instead to vote this week on a measure to send aid to Israel alone and impeach the homeland security secretary.
The president’s parole power emerged as a core issue in negotiations, with Republicans demanding limits and ending most programs allowing people fleeing war and economic devastation to live and work temporarily in the U.S.
Provisions and Challenges of the Compromise Bill
Although the bill maintains the president’s parole authority, it introduces new asylum process restrictions. It raises the bar for migrants claiming a fear of persecution and creates a new voluntary repatriation program.
To mitigate backlogs, the bill creates 50,000 new green card eligible visas per year for five years. It also includes a pathway to citizenship for Afghan refugees who fled to the U.S. after the Taliban’s takeover.
Significant opposition from left-wing Democratic senators over sending military aid to Israel without conditions could further obstruct the bill’s path.
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