"Senate's Immigration and National Security Package Delayed, No Deal on Ukraine"

Senators from both parties, along with senior officials from the Biden administration, are working on legislation that would provide funding for Ukraine's security assistance in exchange for changes to immigration policy. This grand bargain would not only address vital U.S. interests in Ukraine's defense and border stability but also demonstrate that democracy can still function and bipartisan cooperation is possible. The proposed changes to immigration policy include tougher criteria for asylum claims, requiring migrants to wait in a third country while their claims are processed, and making it easier to remove those who cross the border illegally. While there should ideally be no linkage between border policy and military aid, Republicans have leverage due to public opinion turning against the Biden administration on immigration. Progressives should not rally against a deal, as the asylum system requires fixes, and failure could lead to a Trump victory in 2024. A successful deal would show Biden's ability to bring parties together on immigration, but it will require support from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress.