U.S. Senate strikes deal on border restrictions with Mexico - CNN
Photo: The U.S. Senate reached an agreement on restrictions on the border with Mexico (Getty Images)
In the U.S. Senate, they have agreed to expand the country's powers to limit the illegal flow of migrants at the border with Mexico, reports CNN.
The Senate agreement, likely to be announced next week, will also expedite the asylum process for case review within six months. Under the current system, seeking asylum could take up to 10 years.
The agency noted that this agreement also opens the door to negotiations regarding funding assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Senate leaders hope to incorporate the agreement into the discussions.
President Joe Biden previously stated that the agreement, crafted by Senate negotiators, is both robust and fair.
“It would give me, as President, a new emergency authority to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed. And if given that authority, I would use it the day I sign the bill into law,” Biden said.
According to the agreement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be granted new extraordinary powers to close the border if the average daily number of migrants reaches 4,000 within one week. Some migrants will be allowed to stay if it's found that they are fleeing torture or persecution in their home countries.
Additionally, if the number of crossings exceeds 8,500 in one day, the border will be closed to migrants illegally crossing. According to the proposal, any migrant attempting to cross the border twice when it is closed will be barred from entering the U.S. for one year.
Background
In recent months, the issue of strengthening the southern U.S. border has been increasingly discussed by American lawmakers. Republicans, in particular, have demanded changes to include more radical proposals for securing the border with Mexico. In return, they promised to support funding assistance for Ukraine and Israel.
According to The Wall Street Journal, President Joe Biden agreed to enhance immigration policies as demanded by Republicans to avoid criticism and provide assistance to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in Texas, barriers have been erected along the border with Mexico. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated readiness to oppose the federal government in protecting the southern US border from an influx of migrants. The White House emphasized considering the governor's actions "dangerous."
