Today: 10-11-2024

White House Considers Adjusting Asylum Policies in Support of Ukraine Aid, Insider Reveals

WASHINGTON, Dec 7 (Reuters) — In a bid to secure additional aid for Ukraine and Israel in a supplemental funding bill, the Biden administration is reportedly exploring new restrictions on asylum and an expanded deportation process, according to a source familiar with ongoing discussions. The urgency stems from a tight timeline, with the White House and Congress racing to reach an agreement that would not only deliver military aid to allied nations but also address concerns about illegal immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border before lawmakers depart for the Christmas break in just a week.

The negotiations have taken a complex turn as Republicans insist on additional measures to curb the rising number of migrants attempting illegal border crossings in exchange for approving more Ukraine funding. President Joe Biden, seeking reelection in 2024, signaled a willingness to make significant concessions on border security, but Senate Republicans rejected a Democratic aid package containing $20 billion in border funding.

Amidst the intricate talks, the White House is reportedly open to revisiting the standards for initial asylum screenings, considering a potential "safe third country" provision to deny asylum to those passing through another country en route to the U.S., and expanding the fast-track deportation process known as "expedited removal" nationwide, instead of limiting it to border applications.

A bipartisan group of senators involved in the discussions is also contemplating a numerical limitation on asylum claims, although the Biden administration's stance on such a cap remains uncertain. White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez emphasized President Biden's acknowledgment of a "broken" border, urging Congress to take action to address the situation. Hernandez noted the president's openness to compromise in navigating the delicate negotiations.

With the Republican-led House of Representatives and the Democratic-led Senate facing a tight timeline for legislative activities before the year's end, the focus appears to be on striking a top-line deal, possibly leaving room for refining the details of the legislative text over the upcoming break.

Despite the ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, Democratic Senator Chris Coons acknowledged on Thursday that the gap between the two parties remains "stubbornly large." However, he expressed optimism about the potential for finding common ground. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, during a press briefing on the same day, criticized Republicans, accusing them of "playing chicken with our national security" and suggesting that history would judge them harshly.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Thom Tillis, part of a bipartisan group working on a border security compromise, informed reporters on Wednesday that any proposal would need to substantially reduce illegal immigration, ideally by at least half. Tillis expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal before Christmas, emphasizing that there is much more work to be done.

The dynamics between the parties suggest a challenging road ahead as they grapple with the intersection of national security, immigration policy, and international aid. As the negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, with both sides facing the pressure of tight timelines and complex issues.

Reporting from Ted Hesson in Washington, with additional contributions from Richard Cowan, underscores the intricate nature of these negotiations. The political landscape is further highlighted by the contrasting perspectives and priorities of key figures, reflecting the ongoing efforts to navigate a delicate compromise.

In conclusion, the political landscape in Washington reflects the complexities and challenges of ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. Democratic Senator Chris Coons acknowledges a substantial gap between the two parties but remains hopeful about finding common ground. The White House, represented by spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, criticizes Republicans, accusing them of jeopardizing national security and predicting harsh historical judgment.

On the Republican side, Senator Thom Tillis, part of a bipartisan group focused on border security, emphasizes the need for any proposal to significantly reduce illegal immigration. Tillis expresses uncertainty about reaching a deal before Christmas, underscoring the extensive work ahead.

The intricate dynamics of these negotiations are further highlighted by the contrasting perspectives and priorities of key figures, indicating the challenges faced in reconciling national security concerns, immigration policies, and international aid. As the clock ticks down to the holiday break, the outcome of these deliberations remains uncertain, leaving room for continued discussions and potential compromises in the complex intersection of policy and politics.