Hispanic Dems meet White House on border deal, worry about GOP concessions
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members Voice Concerns in Border Security Negotiations
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) had the opportunity to express their concerns over the weekend regarding the terms being discussed in the bipartisan Senate border security negotiations. In an effort to be included and informed about the progress of the package, CHC members participated in a Zoom call on Saturday afternoon with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
The Zoom meeting, which took place amidst a series of meetings involving Mayorkas and negotiators on Capitol Hill, occurred after weeks of requests from Hispanic lawmakers. Unfortunately, the White House did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment on the meeting.
A group of bipartisan senators has been diligently negotiating a border security deal that would be added to a defense spending bill, which also includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Both sides of the negotiation recognize the importance of the border measure in order to successfully pass the legislation through both chambers of Congress.
Over the weekend, negotiators remained in Washington, D.C. to discuss the potential deal and will continue their talks this week. On Monday, despite it being Christmas recess, their Senate colleagues will join them to begin confirming the 11 stalled four-star generals, who were held over due to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s blanket hold on military promotions.
Leading the negotiations are Sens. James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), with significant involvement from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). The discussions have primarily focused on changes to federal asylum policy and the utilization of humanitarian parole authority by the Biden administration. Additionally, there have been reports of the White House proposing a new border expulsion law and an increase in mandatory detention rates as part of the negotiations.
Working alongside Murphy, Lankford, and Sinema are Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), all of whom are Caucasian. This has raised concerns among several Hispanic lawmakers, including Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the latter of whom led the bipartisan immigration talks in the Senate that resulted in the 2013 deal that ultimately failed in the House.
When asked about this issue, Murphy stated, “Ultimately, we’re trying to craft something that gets a big bipartisan vote and that obviously can’t happen unless you’re listening to your colleagues.”
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How did CHC members argue against the proposal to allocate funds for expanding border wall construction and what alternative approach did they propose?
Major concern voiced by CHC members during the Zoom call was the inclusion of increased border enforcement measures in the negotiations. The members raised alarm over the potential militarization of the border and the negative impact it could have on immigrant communities.
One of the key issues discussed was the proposal to allocate funds for expanding border wall construction. CHC members argued that such a measure would not only be a waste of resources but would also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about immigrants. They emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and humane approach to border security that focuses on addressing root causes of migration and investing in the social and economic development of Central American countries.
Additionally, CHC members expressed concerns about the treatment of migrants at the border. They highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in facilities holding migrant children. Members stressed the importance of ensuring proper care and adequate resources for these vulnerable individuals, as well as establishing a fair and efficient process for asylum seekers.
Another critical issue raised during the meeting was the impact of border enforcement policies on family reunification. CHC members voiced their opposition to measures that separate families at the border, emphasizing the need to protect the rights and well-being of immigrant families. They called for policies that prioritize keeping families together and providing them with legal avenues to seek asylum and citizenship.
The Zoom call also provided an opportunity for CHC members to emphasize the importance of including the perspectives and experiences of the Hispanic community in decision-making processes. They urged the Biden administration and congressional leaders to consult with diverse voices and ensure that any policies and reforms reflect the needs and values of the Hispanic community.
In closing, CHC members reiterated their commitment to working towards a just and equitable immigration system that upholds human rights and dignity. They called for a comprehensive approach to border security that includes investments in diplomacy, economic development, and addressing the root causes of migration. The members expressed their hope that their concerns and recommendations will be taken into consideration during the ongoing border security negotiations and that the final outcome will be fair, humane, and inclusive.
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