The long-awaited $118 billion supplemental spending deal aimed at addressing the historic crisis at the southern border has been released by Senate lawmakers. The bill includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and measures to control illegal immigration. While the package has the backing of Senate leaders and the Biden administration, it faces opposition from Republicans, conservatives, and some liberal Democrats.
The bipartisan agreement in the Senate seeks to take meaningful steps to address the challenges posed by the border crisis after years of Congressional inaction, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. However, critics argue that the bill falls short in effectively tackling the border crisis and protecting migrants seeking asylum.
Key provisions of the immigration deal include the establishment of a new three-year authority to shut down entries into the U.S. at the southern border when encounters reach a certain threshold. The authority can only end when encounters drop by at least 25% for seven days. The bill also increases ICE detention capacity and expedites work permits for migrants released into the interior.
Additionally, the bill introduces legal requirements to ensure migrants are provided with information about their rights, including access to counsel. Children will also receive government-funded legal counsel. The bill tightens the screening process for asylum claims and creates a new eligibility bar known as “internal relocation.” It also grants USCIS officials the authority to grant asylum, reducing the process from years to months.
The bill allocates billions in funding for additional staff and infrastructure at the border, including new personnel for Customs and Border Protection, asylum officers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and immigration judges. It also provides funding for non-governmental organizations and cities to help settle migrants and reinforces the border wall. Measures to detect and prevent fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. are also included.
Separately, the bill offers work permits and temporary visas for “documented dreamers” and raises the cap on green cards. It establishes an expedited pathway for Afghans evacuated to the U.S. to obtain green cards.
While the bill has received bipartisan support, it continues to face opposition and criticism from various political factions. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill later this week.
Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security, contributed to this report.
