The White House submitted its proposal including nearly $14 billion in supplemental border security funding to Congress in late October. However, it’s expected to undergo changes as it makes its way through the House and Senate.
Congress has a limited time to pass the supplemental measure before recess, and a small bipartisan group of six senators is working to put together a border security package. These senators include Democrats Chris Murphy, Michael Bennet, Kyrsten Sinema, and Republicans Thom Tillis, Lindsey Graham, and James Lankford.
However, Democrats have objections to some of the Republicans’ proposed changes to asylum requirements and humanitarian parole, as well as the inclusion of a hard-line immigration bill passed in the House and advocated by Republicans.
Here is a breakdown of the White House request and the current status of negotiations:
What’s in the White House’s proposal?
On Oct. 20, President Joe Biden released a request for added funding focused on border enforcement, deterrence, and diplomacy. The plan includes beefing up hiring with additional staff and resources for various immigration and border enforcement agencies. It also asks for additional funding for removal flights, additional beds at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, and grants for temporary services for recently arrived migrants.
Is a pathway for Dreamers part of this request?
No, a pathway to citizenship for those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is not part of this border security request.
What’s the House position?
House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to include provisions of H.R. 2 in the supplemental aid package, an immigration bill that House Republicans passed in May. However, this is a nonstarter for Democrats in the Senate.
What are the disagreements in the Senate?
Senate Democrats oppose the inclusion of H.R. 2 in the supplemental package and have concerns about the changes that Republicans want to make to the asylum and humanitarian parole system. There are also disagreements about the scope and duration of parole and the bar for credible fear of persecution screenings for asylum seekers.
Where are talks now?
As of now, there is no agreement in the Senate or House and negotiations continue. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that any border security agreement has to be bipartisan and plans to hold a vote on the supplemental package soon.
