Progressive Democrats and Republicans clash over bipartisan border security deal

• Lawmakers to vote on advancing bipartisan border security deal.

• Deal is unlikely to succeed in the Senate.

• Progressive Democrats also oppose the bill.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., the lead GOP negotiator on a border-foreign aid package, speaks with reporters outside the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Any bipartisan b

AP

Lawmakers are set to cast their first votes today on advancing the Senate's bipartisan border security deal, a deal that faces significant opposition in the very chamber that crafted it. President Biden has called on Congress to 'show some spine,' but the prospects for the bill seem bleak. Not only are critics from the Republican side against the deal, but progressive Democrats are also taking aim, arguing that it fails to protect migrants and resembles a return to Trump-era policies. Two Democratic senators have already stated their intention to vote against advancing the bill.

Kika Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center, is among those critical of the bipartisan border deal. Matos argues that it does nothing to address the humanitarian crisis at the border and does not align with President Biden's campaign promises of restoring the asylum process and championing human rights.

Several blue state governors and mayors have expressed concerns about the crisis, citing the strain it puts on their communities. Mayor Eric Adams of New York and the mayor of Denver stressed the need for a sustainable solution. They argue that the current situation is untenable and believe there should be resources allocated to cities hosting migrants. The bipartisan border deal, however, lacks provisions for such resources, according to Matos.

Matos believes that the bill contains punitive policies that do not address the humanitarian crisis effectively. She argues that these policies are aimed at appealing to voters during an election period, rather than finding genuine long-term solutions. Matos suggests that the attention should be shifted towards providing resources and support to cities like Chicago and New York that have been welcoming migrants.

The issue of immigration has become central to the upcoming election, with President Trump opposing the bill in an attempt to hinder President Biden's chances of winning. However, Matos argues that it is crucial to avoid returning to the harmful policies of the Trump administration, such as family separations and the detainment of children in cages. Despite the criticism of the Biden administration and the bipartisan border deal, Matos points out that public opinion polls still indicate Americans' support for the right to seek asylum and recognize the values of a nation built by immigrants.

As lawmakers prepare to vote on the border security deal, the bill's fate remains uncertain. The arguments from both sides highlight the complex challenges surrounding immigration policy and the importance of finding a balanced solution that respects human rights while addressing border security concerns.