The much-awaited speech of a bipartisan deal to strengthen immigration and asylum laws was made public by Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.).
The $118 billion plan, which may be put to a vote this week, includes measures meant to slow down the surge of people entering the country from the south and deal with issues with the overburdened asylum system.
The proposed legislation, a collaborative effort across party lines, stands as a formidable initiative in decades, signifying a robust approach to border security and migration overhaul.
It introduces higher standards for asylum eligibility, expedites cases for qualifying individuals, and mandates the removal of those who do not meet the criteria.
Endorsing the deal, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer stressed how important it is to strengthen national security both at home and abroad. Schumer praised the bipartisan effort as essential legislation to secure the economy and security of the United States in the future.
However, the proposed bill faces formidable hurdles in the Senate, where a minimum of 60 votes is required to overcome a filibuster. Conservative senators, influenced by former President Donald Trump’s opposition, have mobilized against the deal, raising concerns about its impact on border security.
House GOP Declares It DOA Amid Election-Year
Trump, in his customary fashion, has urged Republicans to reject the bill, falsely asserting that it would lead to a daily influx of 5,000 illegal border crossings.
House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, swiftly rejected the bill, declaring it “dead on arrival” if it reaches the House floor. The legislation’s fate is uncertain amidst the ongoing dynamics of election-year politics.
The proposed emergency authority in the bill allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enact a border shutdown in response to escalating migrant attempts to cross. The criteria for such closures are meticulously outlined, with provisions allowing presidential intervention in cases of national interest.
The legislation also addresses the contentious issue of “catch and release.” If enacted, migrants arriving through lawful ports of entry and families would be permitted entry under federal supervision for 90 days. Those passing asylum interviews would receive work permits, while those failing would face removal.
The proposal conspicuously lacks a settlement for the “Dreamers”—children of unauthorized immigrants. Rather, the proposal focuses on modifications to immigration regulations that impact the offspring of H-1B visa holders.
The bill allocates significant funding for various purposes, including supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, addressing staffing shortages in immigration-related agencies, and offering aid to Afghan nationals who aided US forces.
The bill’s supporters, including President Joe Biden, are urging quick bipartisan acceptance as the parliamentary process moves forward. However, the future of this comprehensive immigration and asylum law is questionable due to resistance from both major parties and the shadow of election-year politics.