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Democrats Face Growing Discord Over Impending Border Agreement

Senate Democrats are currently facing a split over a developing border agreement, which some fear might incorporate strict asylum policy changes from the House’s Secure the Border Act to gain Republican support for urgently needed Ukraine funding.

Numerous Senate Democrats, particularly members of the Latino caucus, are expressing concerns about rumors that the administration might endorse policies for expedited migrant expulsion without asylum procedures, alongside increased detention and deportation.

There’s apprehension about a potential surprise next week if a border security deal is finalized and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) swiftly brings it to a vote.

Schumer has informed colleagues of his intention to vote next week on a foreign aid package encompassing border security reforms, with White House and Senate representatives working over the weekend to draft a preliminary agreement.

There’s unease among Democratic senators about the possibility of Schumer advancing the legislative framework for this package without them fully understanding its contents.

Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a prominent voice on immigration issues, expressed strong opposition on social media to any sudden Democratic acquiescence to Republican anti-immigrant demands, warning of the negative impact of adopting such Trump-era policies.

Concerns also extend to potential concessions to Republicans involving expanded executive powers for migrant expulsion.

Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) shared his worries, noting the uncertainty over future presidential enforcement of these new asylum and border security laws. He cautioned against policies that don’t align with the U.S.’s post-World War II values, particularly those concerning the treatment of refugees.

Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) echoed these concerns, pointing out the lack of transparency in ongoing discussions and the resemblance of some proposals to punitive measures from the Trump administration.

On the other side, some Democrats, like Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), emphasize the urgent need to address the significant influx of migrants and the necessity of redefining asylum criteria.

Centrist Democrats like Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) also recognize the critical situation at the border, with Kelly stressing the immediate need for a resolution, both for border stability and support for Ukraine.

Senators Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) previously criticized the Biden administration’s decision to end Title 42, predicting increased border challenges.

President Biden’s recent acknowledgment of the need for border system reforms and his willingness to compromise has brought some optimism, as noted by Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

However, Senator Luján calls for broader involvement in these crucial negotiations, highlighting a general Democratic consensus on the need for action while advocating for more inclusive discussions.