White House's Involvement in Border Talks Signals High Stakes for Ukraine Aid

White House chief of staff Jeff Zients has been actively engaging with key lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, in ongoing border talks, signaling the administration's willingness to find a middle ground and address the unsustainable situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. The involvement of top Biden administration officials, such as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, in negotiations with senators is seen as a positive step by Republicans, who believe a deal cannot be reached without significant White House buy-in. The complexity of immigration law and the Department of Homeland Security's role in implementing any restrictions have also prompted the increased involvement of the White House. The negotiations, which also involve additional funds for Ukraine and Israel, are crucial for Biden's foreign policy legacy, but concerns remain among Democrats and immigrant-rights advocates that the administration's desperation for Ukraine aid may lead to accepting hardline asylum policies.