The collapse of US Senate immigration negotiations is threatening to derail President Joe Biden’s national security package, including aid to Israel and Ukraine, even as the White House makes a renewed push on Capitol Hill, NBC reports.
Republicans have vowed to block President Biden’s aid package unless Democrats agree to tighten US asylum and parole laws in immigration proceedings. However, bipartisan negotiations on a border policy deal, led by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), faltered on Friday due to deep disagreements between the two parties, as per congressional aides familiar with the talks.
According to a Democratic aide, their team has proposed speeding up asylum claim processing and adjusting the “credible fear” standard, despite opposition from immigration advocates. However, Republicans are pushing for what Democrats consider “extreme policies” to overhaul the asylum system and increase border control powers, a stance Democrats reject.
Earlier, the White House alerted to a looming funding crisis for Ukraine, emphasizing Congress’s swift action needed to safeguard Kyiv by year-end.
Read also:
- WH: US funding for Ukraine set to run out by end of the year
- Lloyd Austin: Ukraine war will “define global security for decades”
- Poll reveals strong US public support for arming Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan
- Poll: 45% of Americans consider Ukraine aid too high
