Dem immigration reform advocates criticize GOP offer on border security

Two leading Democratic immigration reform advocates strongly criticized Republicans’ newest offer on border security, the latest challenge for a hypothetical year-end deal marrying border restrictions with aid to Ukraine and Israel.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) said Monday morning it is “unconscionable” for President Joe Biden to consider new parole and detention restrictions in exchange for GOP support for foreign aid funding.

“We are deeply concerned that the president would consider advancing Trump-era immigration policies that Democrats fought so hard against — and that he himself campaigned against — in exchange for aid to our allies that Republicans already support,” the two said. Making those changes for a one-time emergency spending bill would set “a dangerous precedent,” they added.

Republicans say they won’t move forward with tens of billions for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan without new border restrictions, blocking Biden’s aid request last week because it lacked those policy changes. Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) are still negotiating, though Murphy said the GOP’s latest offer was unrealistic.