A group of senators from both parties has introduced a bill that would provide $118 billion for border security, asylum reform, and foreign aid to countries such as Ukraine and Israel. The bill, which is supported by President Biden, is seen as a compromise between the two sides on the contentious issue of immigration.
Border Security and Asylum Reform
The bill would allocate $58 billion for border security measures, including building more barriers, expanding detention facilities, hiring more immigration agents and judges, and interdicting drugs and human trafficking. The bill would also give the administration the authority to quickly deport people who cross the border illegally and seek asylum, unless they can prove a credible fear of persecution in their home country. This would effectively end the practice of releasing migrants into the U.S. while they wait for their asylum hearings, which can take years due to a massive backlog of cases.
The bill would also raise the standard of evidence for asylum seekers to show that they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Currently, asylum seekers only need to show a significant possibility of persecution, which is a lower threshold. The bill would also limit the grounds for appealing an asylum denial and bar asylum seekers from obtaining work authorization until their cases are resolved.
Foreign Aid and National Security
The bill would also provide $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, which is facing Russian aggression and interference, and $14 billion to Israel, which is a key ally in the Middle East and faces threats from Iran and its proxies. The bill would also include funding for Taiwan, which is facing increased pressure from China, and for humanitarian assistance to countries affected by conflict and displacement.
The bill’s sponsors argue that the foreign aid component is essential for U.S. national security interests and for addressing the root causes of migration from regions such as Central America and Africa. They also say that the bill would send a strong message of support to U.S. allies and partners who are facing challenges and threats from authoritarian regimes.
Political Prospects and Opposition
The bill is the result of months of negotiations between senators from both parties, as well as consultations with the Biden administration. The bill has the endorsement of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has said that he will bring it to the floor for a vote this week. President Biden has also expressed his support for the bill, saying that it is a “monumental step” towards strengthening America’s security and prosperity.
However, the bill faces significant opposition from some Republicans, who have criticized it as a “steaming pile of crap” and a “massive amnesty” for illegal immigrants. Former President Trump has also urged Republicans to reject the bill, claiming that it would allow 5,000 illegal crossings per day, which is not true. The bill would actually reduce the number of migrants who are released into the U.S. and increase the deportations of those who do not qualify for asylum.
The bill also faces uncertainty in the House, where some Democrats have expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on human rights and due process for asylum seekers. Some progressive lawmakers have also called for more funding for social programs and infrastructure, rather than for foreign aid and border security. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has said that the bill will be “dead on arrival” if it reaches the House.
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