Staff Reports
Senator Cory Booker made a decision to change his mind and will now vote against President Biden’s border bill. This decision creates challenges for the Democrats who were hoping to achieve a messaging victory in an election year. Previously, Mr. Booker had voted in favor of the border plan when it was part of the Ukraine and Israel war-funding bill in February. However, he now believes that the border provisions included in the bill are too strict.
In a statement, Senator Booker explained that he opposes the bill because it includes several provisions that he believes go against the values shared by Americans. He specifically mentioned concerns about the asylum standards being too harsh and excluding some illegal immigrants from seeking protections. Additionally, the bill does not include a provision for the legalization of current illegal immigrants.
Biden’s border bill loses Democratic supporthttps://t.co/urK515n3uu pic.twitter.com/vjo1TOP9Sv
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 22, 2024
This stance by Senator Booker poses a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer’s plans to hold a re-vote on Thursday and showcase a contrast between Democrats who support the bill and Republicans who are mostly against it. Although the bill was negotiated by a bipartisan group, including one Republican, one Democrat, and one Democrat-leaning independent, it is facing opposition from both parties.
The bill, which would grant the president new powers to expel illegal immigrants if border crossings exceeded a certain threshold, also includes tightened asylum rules to deter false claims and increased detention space for border crossers. Despite the backing of President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s labeling of the bill as bipartisan, there is bipartisan opposition as well.
Previously, when the proposal was presented as part of the war-funding bill, it faced resistance and was filibustered. Both Democrats and Republicans expressed concerns about the bill, with Republicans criticizing it for being too lenient on allowing the president to use “parole” powers, while Democratic opponents, including Senator Booker, expressed that the bill was too stringent on immigrants.
The complex nature of immigration politics in Congress is evident in the varying opinions on this bill. Immigrant-rights activists have been urging Democrats to oppose President Biden’s plan, with one group calling it a “hateful bill” and emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, protecting long-time migrants in the United States, and investing in measures to help people live and thrive
