Border talks stall as Senate Republicans draw a ‘red line’ on parole
Senate Republicans Demand Immigration Deal with Restrictions on Parole
Senate Republicans made it crystal clear on Wednesday that they will not agree to an immigration deal unless Democrats accept restrictions on parole. Parole is the border authority used by the administration to admit hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and Republicans view it as a potential loophole.
The message from Republicans was unequivocal as they emerged from a meeting to update members on the progress of negotiations. While the conference is united in the need for border reforms, conservatives have cautioned against accepting any deal that the White House could bypass.
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), the lead Republican negotiator, fielded questions from members during the meeting, which also provided an opportunity for the conference to align their positions as negotiations with Senate Democrats and the White House stall.
Republicans have already secured significant concessions on asylum, such as raising the ”credible fear” standard that allows immigrants to temporarily stay in the country. However, the issue of parole has been the main sticking point for weeks.
Both sides will eventually have to make a move in this high-stakes game of chicken that is holding up funding for Ukraine. Republicans are demanding border changes in exchange for aid.
The latest move seems to be a clear message to Democrats that Republicans will not back down.
“That’s a strong red line of our conference, and they need to take that seriously,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) as he left the conference meeting. “The parole issue is critical, and we’re very united on it.”
He was not alone in his stance. Republicans repeatedly emphasized the importance of addressing the parole issue in order to reach a deal.
“I think the one thing that, if anything comes out of it, is there’s a real strong opinion in our conference that this issue of parole has got to be dealt with in some way,” said Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the Senate minority whip.
The specifics of parole reform are still up for negotiation, but Thune mentioned that there is broad support for capping the number of immigrants admitted using this authority, similar to the limits placed on refugee arrivals each year.
Democrats argue that parole is a necessary tool for the White House to manage the influx of immigrants at the border on humanitarian grounds. However, Republicans view the administration’s use of parole as an abuse of power.
The Department of Homeland Security has utilized this authority to resettle immigrants in countries like Venezuela and Cuba.
Republicans believe that the courts will rule against the Biden administration and restrict its use, as they argue that the administration has disregarded the requirement to consider parole applicants on a case-by-case basis.
However, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) believes that policy changes will have a more lasting impact than any court ruling.
While negotiators had hoped to reach a deal as lawmakers returned from the Christmas recess, Sen. Lankford was still able to highlight areas of agreement in the talks. For example, an expansion of expedited removal of immigrants from the interior of the country is no longer on the table.
There is no set deadline for a border deal, but the urgency to secure funding for Ukraine is at the forefront of leadership’s minds. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) supports aid for Ukraine while demanding border reforms.
Another factor in the equation is the need to pass a deal through the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces pressure to reject anything that falls short of H.R. 2, the chamber’s primary border security legislation.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) predicted that negotiators will eventually reach a deal, especially considering the risk to aid for Ukraine.
“I think where there’s there’s a will, there’s a way,” said Hawley, who is skeptical about Ukraine. “Remember, this is really about Ukraine. This isn’t actually about the border.”
Emily Jacobs contributed to this story.
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How has the deadlock in negotiations over parole impacted important programs, such as aid to Ukraine
Itarian grounds. They maintain that restricting parole would be inhumane and go against the values of compassion and fairness. In addition, Democrats fear that any restrictions on parole could effectively close the door on many vulnerable asylum seekers who are seeking refuge in the United States.
However, Republicans argue that parole has been abused and exploited, allowing individuals to enter the country without proper vetting or going through the proper channels. They believe that tightening restrictions on parole would help to ensure the safety and security of the country, as well as uphold the rule of law.
The negotiations between Republicans and Democrats have been ongoing for weeks, with both sides trying to find common ground on the issue of immigration. The Republicans have already made significant concessions on asylum, but they have made it clear that they will not agree to a deal unless Democrats are willing to address the parole issue.
This deadlock in negotiations has had real-world consequences, as funding for important programs, such as aid to Ukraine, has been held up. Both sides acknowledge that a solution must be reached soon, but they remain firmly entrenched in their positions.
As the negotiations continue, it is clear that the issue of parole will be a key sticking point. Republicans have made it clear that they will not back down on this issue, and they are united in their stance. Democrats, on the other hand, are pushing for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration.
It remains to be seen how this standoff will be resolved, and whether a compromise can be reached. But one thing is for certain, the issue of parole has become a core point of contention in the debate over immigration. Both sides have compelling arguments, and it will require political will and a spirit of compromise to find a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
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