Senate negotiators are reportedly close to finalizing a border proposal that would be part of a larger spending package that also includes aid to Ukraine and Israel. The Biden administration is requesting over $100 billion in funding for various programs, including $14 billion for the border. However, Republicans have been pushing for stricter measures to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
Sources familiar with the proposal have revealed that it would include a tightening of the initial credible fear standard for asylum screenings. This could lead to the removal of the majority of migrants going through the screenings, according to briefings given to lawmakers. Additionally, the proposal would include a Title 42-style expulsion authority that would only be triggered if there are over 5,000 encounters at the border per day. Under this authority, expulsions could be mandated even if the 7-day average is lower, and they would be exempt from judicial review.
Take note of the priorities in the Senate spending bill…
$65.5 billion to Ukraine
$14.4 billion to Israel
$5.31 billion to Customs and Border protection
$2.35 billion to ICE
$755 million for US Citizenship and ImmigrationTrump wanted roughly $10 billion to finish the wall.
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) January 9, 2024
The use of humanitarian parole, which allows migrants to enter the country for humanitarian reasons, would also be restricted. However, exemptions would be made for programs that fly in migrants, such as the CHNV parole program that allows 30,000 migrants to enter per month. The proposal would also reduce the waiting time for a work permit for asylum seekers from 180 days to 90 days in some cases. Additionally, work permits would be granted to children of legal temporary visa holders who turn 21 while in the country.
The proposal also includes an increase in ICE detention beds to 55,000 and funding for facilities and additional border officers. However, these measures have already been requested by the Biden administration and have faced pushback from Republicans. There would also be funding for legal assistance for unaccompanied children in the country. While the details of the proposal are still fluid, negotiators are hoping to have a finalized bill text soon.
NEW: Proposals in the emerging Senate border framework include a Title 42-type authority that would only be mandated if there were over 5,000 encounters a day — a qualifier fueling opposition from some conservative Republicans https://t.co/DJ9diSjSQj
— Adam Shaw (@AdamShawNY) January 25, 2024
However, this proposal has already faced fierce criticism from some conservatives in the Senate. Some have labeled it a “stinking pile of crap” and a “kamikaze plane in a box canyon.” They argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the crisis at the border and may even make it worse. One source close to negotiations warned that it includes “quasi-amnesty provisions” and “corrupt NGOs and sanctuary cities,” which will only fuel the ongoing invasion at the border.
At a press conference, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas called the proposal a “stinking pile of crap bill” and criticized it for normalizing 5,000 migrants entering the country per day, which he deemed an invasion. He also warned that it would have a 0% chance of passing in the House. Other senators, such as Rick Scott and Ron Johnson, expressed concerns about tying the hands of future Republican presidents and the potential impact on border security. Senator Mike Lee emphasized the need for lawmakers to have time to read and fully understand the proposal before passing it.
Fiery remarks from @tedcruz on the Senate border deal:
“As bad as we think the bill is, I promise you, it’s worse”
“[This bill] is a kamikaze plane in a box canyon with no exits headed for a train wreck”
“…represents Senate GOP leadership waging war on House GOP leadership” pic.twitter.com/S8UO5BrIqM
— Adam Shaw (@AdamShawNY) January 24, 2024
If this border proposal is included in the larger spending package, it is likely to face significant opposition in the House, where the Republican majority has expressed a desire for stricter border security measures. With the ongoing crisis at the southern border and tensions running high in Congress, it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached that satisfies both sides and effectively addresses the situation.
