Senate Republicans Link Ukraine Aid to Stricter US Immigration Laws; Democrats Push Back

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell demands "credible" concessions on border policy in exchange for GOP support on Ukraine aid package, Republicans propose resumption of Trump's border wall and asylum reforms, but Democrats dismiss proposal as a partisan "nonstarter".

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans are linking Ukraine aid to stricter U.S. border policies, including a proposal to resume construction of former President Donald Trump's border wall and reform asylum and parole laws.
McConnell has insisted on 'credible' concessions on U.S. border policy for the passage of any aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a 'credible solution' to current border issues.
Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray have dismissed the Republican proposal as a partisan 'nonstarter', criticizing the proposal for sidelining bipartisan cooperation in favor of reviving far-right immigration policies.
Despite the pushback, some Democrats like Sen. Chris Murphy have expressed willingness to negotiate on border issues. Murphy emphasized that any proposal would need to involve both Republican and Democratic priorities.
Republicans warn that Ukraine aid will not pass without stricter asylum laws and other border regulations, with GOP Senators James Lankford, Tom Cotton, and Lindsey Graham leading the proposal. Their plan includes raising the 'credible fear' standard for asylum seekers, curtailing officials' ability to grant humanitarian parole, and toughening penalties for illegal border crossings.