Immigration advocates are urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to reconsider his plans to bring a bipartisan Senate immigration deal to the floor, following its dismissal by the GOP earlier this year.
Over 100 immigration and civil rights organizations have voiced their concerns in a letter sent on Thursday, denouncing the bill as a “deep betrayal of immigrant communities.”
The bipartisan package, which had been negotiated by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) alongside Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), was blocked by Senate Republicans in February. This obstruction came after former President Trump criticized the deal, characterizing it as something only a “fool” would support.
One of the key criticisms of the bill from immigration allies is its proposed restrictions on asylum rights for individuals fleeing danger and persecution. Specifically, the package would raise the “credible fear” standard that asylum seekers must meet to further pursue their claims. Additionally, it would only permit migrants to seek asylum if they enter the country through a designated port of entry, with this option also subject to certain border crossing limits.
The letter, spearheaded by Human Rights First, highlights the unprecedented nature of denying asylum seekers the opportunity to apply for protection based solely on border apprehension numbers. Instead, the groups argue for investing in increasing processing capacity to address humanitarian and operational needs at the border.
Despite the opposition, Schumer has indicated his intention to bring the legislation to a vote next week, calling on Republicans to support the bipartisan effort to address border challenges. He criticized Republican reluctance, attributing it to former President Trump’s desire for border chaos to bolster his reelection prospects.
Several prominent advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigration Hub, International Refugee Assistance Project, and the National Immigrant Justice Center, have joined the chorus urging Schumer to keep the bill shelved, citing its detrimental impact on immigrant communities.
Schumer’s initial consideration of the bill was prompted by Republican demands linking aid to Ukraine with immigration reform. However, the GOP later withdrew this condition, passing a separate aid bill for Ukraine and other allies last month.
In light of these developments, the groups argue that pushing forward with the bill constitutes a betrayal of immigrant communities, now that aid for Ukraine is no longer contingent on immigration reform.