Biden Supports Potential Agreement to Strengthen U.S. Authority in Addressing Border Crossings

Senate negotiators have reached an agreement to grant the United States enhanced authority to curb illegal migrant crossings at the southern border, aiming to address the surge in migrants overwhelming federal authorities in recent months. President Joe Biden, committed to utilizing the authority provided by the deal, is embracing measures perceived as more stringent than his previous considerations, particularly in an area where voters see him as weaker compared to former President Donald Trump.

Expected to be unveiled next week, the Senate deal also includes expediting the asylum process to resolve cases within six months, a significant improvement over the current system, which could take up to 10 years for asylum seekers.

The details shed light on prolonged negotiations, with Senate leaders hoping to attach the deal to aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan amid both domestic and international crises. This strategy would also force Republicans to decide whether to approve these new authorities or reject the plan, as Trump urges the GOP to oppose anything short of what he deems a “perfect” bill.

In an uncommon statement on ongoing congressional negotiations, Biden expressed support for the deal, emphasizing its toughness and fairness. He highlighted the potential for new emergency authority to shut down the border when overwhelmed, pledging to use it immediately upon signing the bill into law.

Under the forthcoming package, the Department of Homeland Security would receive new emergency authority to close the border if daily average migrant encounters reach 4,000 over a one-week period. If crossings exceed 5,000 on average per day in a given week, DHS would be mandated to close the border to migrants crossing illegally, excluding those entering at ports of entry. Certain migrants could stay if they prove to be fleeing torture or persecution in their countries.

Furthermore, if daily crossings surpass 8,500, DHS would be obligated to close the border to illegal migrants. The proposal also includes a provision where any migrant attempting to cross the closed border twice would face a one-year ban from entering the United States.

The collaborative efforts of Senate negotiators, including GOP Sen. James Lankford, Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, and Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, aim to prevent surges that overwhelm federal authorities. The Biden administration and Senate leaders have actively participated in these talks, with additional details expected to be disclosed in the coming days.

Notably, December witnessed over 300,000 migrant encounters alone. Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that, if enacted, the border would currently be closed to illegal migrants. Certain migrants would still be permitted to stay, especially those fleeing persecution, with a minimum of 1,400 asylum applications that could be processed through legal ports of entry during the period of emergency authorities.

This push for a deal occurs amid Trump’s call for Republicans to reject any immigration compromise, opposing Biden’s handling of the border. Despite Trump’s rallying cry, several prominent Senate Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, emphasize the urgency of addressing the issue, given Democrats’ willingness to approve stricter restrictions.