U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled a comprehensive $118.28 billion global security package on Sunday night, which includes a long-awaited overhaul of immigration law negotiated by a bipartisan trio of senators.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, emphasized the necessity of U.S. assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies amidst complex global challenges from authoritarian forces seeking to disrupt democracy.
The extensive package, spanning nearly 400 pages, encompasses bipartisan immigration legislation that aims to:
- Elevate the threshold for migrants seeking asylum.
- Clarify the use of parole authority by the White House to grant temporary protections to migrants.
- Establish a procedure to temporarily close the border during heightened activity.
- Terminate the practice of allowing migrants to reside in the United States while awaiting immigration court hearings.
- Senate Republicans insisted that these immigration policy changes be tied to the global aid package.
For security measures, the bill allocates $60 billion to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and $14.1 billion in aid for Israel. Additionally, it earmarks $10 billion in humanitarian assistance to provide essential services to civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, and other regions.
Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine and labeled failure to pass the supplemental as capitulating to Russian aggression.
The immigration provisions, negotiated by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), represent the most significant changes to immigration law in nearly four decades. However, the bill faces formidable challenges in both the Senate and House.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, dismissed the Senate’s bill, stating it would not receive a vote in the House. He criticized certain provisions as potential magnets for increased illegal immigration.
The legislation introduces alterations to asylum standards and expedited removal procedures for asylum seekers who fail to qualify. It includes funding for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to hire additional asylum officers.
Schumer hailed the bipartisan effort as a chance for Congress to address border issues and enhance the immigration adjudication system.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attributed the crisis at the Southern border to President Joe Biden and commended the bill’s emergency measures aimed at enforcing immigration laws.
The package also designates $20.23 billion to address border operational needs, enhance capabilities, and combat narcotics smuggling, according to Murray’s office.
While the Senate language enjoys bipartisan support, House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed skepticism about the need for new immigration legislation, attributing issues to Biden’s enforcement of existing laws. Criticism of the bill from House members underscores potential hurdles in the lower chamber.
The legislation also prohibits additional U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency following allegations of staff involvement in an attack on Israel. McConnell previously called for a complete cutoff of U.S. aid to UNRWA.
Included in the bill is an option for the Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily close the border if encounters with migrants surpass 4,000 over seven consecutive days.