Senate to Work on Immigration Policy Deal Amid Deep Divisions

Biden Administration's Preparedness to Support New Authority to Expel Migrants Causes Concern Among Senate Democrats

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that senators will have to cut their planned holiday recess short to work on a possible immigration policy deal, which House lawmakers demanded in exchange for additional U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
The Biden administration is reportedly prepared to support new authority to expel migrants without asylum screenings and expand their detention and deportation, causing concern among some Senate Democrats.
Despite progress in the Senate, House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he will not call members back from their recess even if a supplemental funding bill passes the upper chamber.
Senate Democrats are deeply divided over the emerging border deal, with some fearing it will include harsh asylum policy reforms to win GOP backing for long-delayed funding for Ukraine.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the future of more than $100 billion in aid to Ukraine and Israel still remains uncertain into 2024.