Pathways to Citizenship Unlikely to be Included in Border Deal, Lawmakers Say

Negotiations for a border deal in Congress do not include provisions for pathways to citizenship for young immigrants protected by DACA.

Lawmakers involved in negotiations for a border deal in Congress have indicated that new pathways to citizenship for young immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are unlikely to be included in the final agreement. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, one of the negotiators, stated that DACA and a path to citizenship would not be part of the discussion on border security. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut acknowledged that while DACA is a priority for Democrats, it does not align with what Republicans want in the final bill.

Congressional Leaders Aim to Pass Legislation Before Christmas

Congressional leaders are working towards passing legislation before Christmas that includes supplemental aid to Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. Republicans are demanding stricter border security measures and asylum laws in exchange for the additional aid sought by the Biden administration for Ukraine. Negotiators are striving to design an immigration package that addresses both border security concerns and asylum policies in a way that satisfies conservatives without alienating progressive Democrats.

Progress Made on Most Fronts, Parole Remains a Sticking Point

Senator Tillis noted that “really good progress” has been made on most fronts, including asylum, but the issue of parole remains a major sticking point. He emphasized that language on parole needs to be included in the legislation, as he has threatened not to vote for supplemental funding for Ukraine or Israel without concessions from Democrats. Tillis made it clear that border security is a crucial component of the bill and that without it, he and a majority of Republicans would not support the legislation.

Negotiators Work to Reach a Compromise

Senator Murphy, along with Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, indicated that negotiations need to be concluded this week. While acknowledging that Republican demands are high, Murphy expressed the commitment to finding a compromise. The negotiations aim to address the concerns of both parties and reach a consensus on border security and asylum policies.

Conclusion: As negotiations for a border deal continue in Congress, the inclusion of pathways to citizenship for DACA recipients appears unlikely. Lawmakers are focused on reaching a compromise that strengthens border security and addresses asylum policies, while also providing supplemental aid to Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. The challenge lies in finding a balance that satisfies both conservative and progressive factions within Congress. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for immigration policy and the future of DACA recipients.