Republicans Demand Hard-Line Immigration Policies in Exchange for Ukraine Funding

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is leading a group of about 60 Republicans in Congress on a visit to the Mexican border. They are demanding hard-line immigration policies in exchange for backing President Joe Biden’s emergency wartime funding request for Ukraine. The visit to Eagle Pass, Texas, is happening while Senate negotiators continue to work towards a bipartisan deal.

Border City at the Center of Political Fight

Eagle Pass, Texas, has been at the center of Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, a nearly $10 billion initiative aimed at testing the federal government’s authority over immigration. With the number of illegal crossings into the United States surpassing 10,000 on multiple days last month, the issue has become a major political fight.

Seeking Agreement for Ukraine Funding

The ongoing negotiations in Washington aim to reach an agreement that would unlock GOP support for Biden’s $110 billion package for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. security priorities. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz), James Lankford (R-Okla), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn) are working towards progress before Congress returns to Washington next week.

Johnson’s Stance on Immigration Policies

It remains uncertain whether Mike Johnson, who has called for “transformational” changes to border and immigration policies, would accept a bipartisan deal from the Senate. Johnson has referred to a House bill passed in May, which would build more of the border wall and impose new restrictions on asylum seekers. Democrats criticized the legislation as “cruel” and “anti-immigrant,” with Biden promising to veto it.

President Biden’s Willingness to Compromise

Despite the differences, President Biden has expressed a willingness to make policy compromises, especially as the historic number of migrants crossing the border poses a challenge for his 2024 reelection campaign. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House staff have been involved in the Senate negotiations.

“We’ve got to do something,” Biden told reporters on Tuesday night. He emphasized the need for Congress to approve his national security proposal, which includes funding for managing the influx of migrants. “They ought to give me the money I need to protect the border,” he added.

Criticism of Johnson’s Trip

Administration officials have criticized Mike Johnson’s visit to the border as a political ploy that will do little to solve the problem. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “When they’re at the border, they’re going to see the magnitude of the problem and why we have said now for about three decades, their broken immigration system is in desperate need of legislative reform. So we are focused on the solutions, and we hope that they will return to Washington and focus on the solutions as well.”

Fluctuating Border Crossings

In December, border crossings in Eagle Pass and other locations overwhelmed Customs and Border Protection officials. Cargo rail crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso were closed for five days, and border crossings in Lukeville, Arizona, were shut down. However, the number of migrants eased over the December holidays due to seasonal patterns. Border crossings are reopening, and illegal crossings in Eagle Pass fell to 500 on Monday, according to anonymous administration officials.

Republicans’ Pressure on Biden

Republicans are pressuring President Biden and Democrats to accept stricter border measures. They view the high number of migrants arriving at the border as a political weakness for the president. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell urged Biden to take credit for addressing the issue, stating, “You can’t do anything about how old you are, you can’t do anything about inflation, but this is something that’s measurable that you could claim credit for.”

Negotiations and Ukraine’s Defense

Senate negotiators are focusing on tougher asylum protocols, bolstering border enforcement, and implementing enforcement measures if daily crossings exceed a certain threshold. Democratic negotiator Chris Murphy expressed hope that Republicans would accept the offer they have been working on together. He also raised concerns about leaving Ukraine’s defenses hanging without assured support from the U.S. in its war with Russia.

Final Military Aid Package for Ukraine

The Pentagon announced a potential final package of military aid for Ukraine in late December, worth up to $250 million, if Congress does not approve Biden’s funding request. The aid includes weapons, ammunition, and other equipment to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

As the negotiations continue, the situation at the border remains a critical issue that demands attention and resolution.