Sen. Alex Padilla: Bill “Misses the Mark”
California Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, has voiced concerns about the bipartisan $118-billion border and foreign aid bill supported by President Biden. In a statement released on Sunday, Padilla stated that while it is essential to support allies in their fight for democracy and provide humanitarian relief, it should not come at the expense of dismantling the asylum system and failing to address the challenges at the border.
A Conservative-leaning Package with Democratic Backing
The bill, which has been negotiated by Democrats and Republicans over several months, represents a wish list of GOP immigration priorities. It is considered one of the most conservative packages to receive the backing of a Democratic president in decades. President Biden has expressed his intention to sign the bill if it is passed by Congress.
Immigration and Border Control in the Spotlight
The issue of immigration and border control has taken center stage politically as record numbers of asylum seekers arrive in the United States. Even allies of President Biden within his own Democratic Party at the state level have urged him to take action. By supporting a conservative-leaning bill, Biden may be attempting to neutralize the border as a political issue, particularly in anticipation of a potential rematch with former President Trump in the 2024 election.
The Bill’s Limitations and Controversial Measures
The legislation, however, does not address the issue of citizenship for millions of people residing in the country illegally, including farmworkers and individuals brought to the country as children, commonly known as “Dreamers.” It also raises the threshold for asylum seekers, limits presidential authority to parole individuals from countries facing war or persecution, and introduces a new expedited removal process. Additionally, the bill mandates the shutdown of the border when daily arrests reach 5,000. In such cases, anyone attempting to enter the country would be immediately expelled without undergoing an asylum screening, although asylum claims could still be presented at ports of entry.
Padilla’s Warning and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Concerns
Senator Padilla personally warned President Biden in mid-December not to concede to GOP demands on immigration to secure one-time aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies. He criticized the bill for including a revamped version of a failed Trump-era immigration policy that, according to Padilla, would cause more chaos at the border and be in conflict with international treaties and obligations to provide asylum seekers with opportunities to seek protection. Padilla is joined by other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who claim they were not given the chance to weigh in on the deal.
Upcoming Senate Vote and Opposition
The Senate is scheduled to hold an initial vote on the bill on Wednesday to gauge its chances of meeting the 60-vote threshold for passage. Although Republican Senate leaders support the bill, several GOP senators have already expressed dissatisfaction, stating that it does not go far enough to garner their support. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has echoed former President Trump’s opposition to the bill, declaring it “dead on arrival” if it reaches the House. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Republicans not to support the bill, calling it a “great gift to Democrats” and a “Death Wish for The Republican Party.”