The much-anticipated bipartisan immigration and asylum laws package was released by Senators on Sunday. The package will impose tougher immigration and asylum laws and includes aid funds for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, which Republicans have said they’ll support only if it is linked with significant new U.S. immigration restrictions. The Senators that reached this agreement include James Lankford, Chris Murphy, and Kyrsten Sinema.
The bill changes the asylum and immigration laws by increasing the standard to get asylum, implementing a new emergency authority to close the border which would allow the Department of Homeland Security to shut down the border if there are too many migrants trying to cross, and ends the practice of catch and release. The bill also includes other provisions such as increased funding for repatriation flights, raising the credible fear standard, and provides legal options for undocumented people.
Additionally, the bill also provides over $80 billion to support Ukraine and Israel, while also providing a $10 billion humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Also, the legislation reflects the U.S.’ decision to pause funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East due to allegations. Former President Donald Trump has spoken out against the bill and has encouraged Republicans to reject it.