The situation at the Mexico-U.S border is bleak. CNN reports that the number of unauthorized immigrants continues to grow to record high levels; a confusing mess of immigration bureaucracy makes it difficult for those who want to enter the country legally. The Cato Institute reports that of the 158 million people who wish to immigrate to the United States, only about 0.9 million are permitted to enter. The process to legally immigrate to the United States is long, complex, and extremely restrictive. In response to these mounting problems, senators on Sunday, Feb. 4, proposed new legislation to better enforce the border paired with aid for Israel and Ukraine. CNN continued by reporting that the bill would allow authorities to bar migrants (excluding unaccompanied minors) from entering the country, allow asylum officers to decide on immigration cases, and increase the standard of proof to cross the border.
The bill, however, has received backlash from a number of high ranking Republicans. BBC writes that a joint statement by four key House Republicans called it dead on arrival. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the bill failed to advance in the Senate. After the failed vote, the Senate would go into a procedural vote on the Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel aid packages.
CNN reports that the failed bill has caused strife in the Republican party. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said that the failure to pass the bill undermined the trust of Republican constituents. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) called the Republican handling of the House “a circus.” The failure to pass the Border Control Bill, which was co-authored by GOP senators shows a growing rift in the party, a rift that could possibly have negative effects in November.
