Senate Republicans have unveiled a proposal for stricter immigration laws, issuing a warning to President Joe Biden that Ukraine aid will not be given unless there are stricter rules for being granted asylum in the U.S.
The one-page plan, authored by GOP Sens. James Lankford, Tom Cotton, and Lindsey Graham, includes various changes such as raising the “credible fear” standard for asylum-seekers, limiting officials’ ability to grant humanitarian parole, and imposing harsher penalties for illegal border crossings.
The White House and Democrats swiftly criticized the proposal, urging Republicans not to tie Ukraine funding to a divisive domestic issue. However, Lankford stated that Democrats must support tougher border laws for Republicans to approve Ukraine aid.
Graham, a supporter of Ukraine, emphasized the need for control of the border and argued that without it, an aid package would not be successful.
‘DACA is not border security’
While some Republicans oppose including a path to American citizenship for Dreamers, Democrats advocate for this inclusion in the funding measure. Lankford argued that DACA is not a matter of border security but rather a national security package.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin called the GOP proposal an inadequate starting point, expressing a willingness to work across the aisle to resolve the issue without compromising critical Ukraine aid.
‘We cannot let Putin win this thing’
The White House and Democratic allies have warned against cutting off Ukraine aid, citing concerns about Russia’s expansionist ambitions. The GOP senators removed provisions from previous bills that the White House opposed.
Sen. Joe Manchin expressed openness to the new GOP proposal, emphasizing the need for action. Rep. Ralph Norman insisted that Ukraine aid in the House must be accompanied by enforceable border laws.
However, some Democrats, like Sen. Chris Murphy, believe that the GOP proposal hampers progress rather than facilitating a solution.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
