Biden agrees to tighten immigration policy to secure Ukraine aid - WSJ
U.S. President Joe Biden (facebook com POTUS)
U.S. President Joe Biden has agreed to tighten immigration policy to avoid criticism and provide aid to Ukraine, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The agency reports that the Senate is drafting an immigration agreement that will limit the ability of migrants to seek asylum.
The deal is to be approved in exchange for new military aid for Ukraine and Israel. The WSJ notes that it has a good chance of passing, although Republicans are putting forward tougher conditions.
Biden's willingness to negotiate with the Republicans shows he is ready to make concessions. According to the WSJ, this is due not only to providing aid to Ukraine but also to criticism among Americans.
According to CBS News polls conducted earlier this month, Biden's rating on immigration issues was at an all-time low: 68% of respondents said they disapproved of his immigration policy, and 63% wanted the president to tighten it.
Throughout his 50-year political career, which has often focused on foreign policy priorities, Biden has rarely taken on the complex issue of immigration policy. And when he did, he usually took a moderate stance.
For three years, the Biden administration has been trying to curb the growth of migrants at the southern border. Republicans have taken up the issue, and a bipartisan agreement is expected to end the debate.
Delays in funding assistance to Ukraine
U.S. President Joe Biden proposed to Congress to allocate $106 billion to help Ukraine and Israel. However, the issue has not yet been approved.
The U.S. Congress is debating whether to continue funding aid to Ukraine. Republicans are blocking the issue by demanding the adoption of immigration legislation.
The White House expects Democrats and Republicans to reach an agreement in January 2024.
On January 12, the White House announced that aid to Ukraine has been suspended until Congress approves new funding.
