US Faces Immigration Crisis As Record Number of Migrants Seek Entry

 

President Biden’s administration is facing significant challenges on immigration policy. A record number of migrants attempted to enter the U.S. in December, placing immense strain on border operations. In response, the White House is engaging in discussions with Congress to find solutions.

A bipartisan group of senators has opened negotiations with the White House. They are discussing strengthening asylum laws and border security protocols. In exchange, Republicans may support additional funding for border agencies and military aid packages to allies like Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

One major issue being debated is “immigration parole,” a policy allowing certain migrants entry into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons. Although the Biden administration has utilized this policy extensively, Republicans are pushing to curb it.

Previously, the White House resisted modifying this policy. However, garnering Republican backing for priorities such as bolstering Ukrainian defense may require concessions on limiting parole.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported over 300,000 migrant encounters at the southwest border in December alone, the highest monthly number on record. Public opinion polls also suggest many Americans disapprove of the president’s handling of border security so far. Facing mounting political pressure, the administration sees bipartisan legislative deals as pivotal to course-correcting its immigration strategy.