In a heated press briefing last month, Senator Lindsey Graham didn’t mince words as he slammed the White House’s immigration policies.
The senator, known for his blunt views, cited problems relating to the current state of border security. And also the administration’s handling of the immigration crisis.
Senator Graham Raises Concerns Over Bipartisan Support For Border Security Reform
Senator Graham acknowledged the significant opportunity to reform border security. However, he emphasized the challenges in gaining support for the legislation. A bill passed without Democratic votes faces little chance of getting approved.
The senator questioned why no Democrats supported the House bill (hr2). It passed without any votes from the opposing party. Graham stressed how hard it is to get 11 Democrats to back a bill that none of their colleagues in the House supported. Plus, losing support from Senator Rand Paul makes the situation even more complicated.
Graham Calls Out White House On Border Security
Graham is accusing the White House of misusing the law. Especially in handling fast-tracked work permits and other compromises.
On the White House’s border security plans, he boldly stated, “We’ve exposed you for who you are.” He explained that the administration was taking advantage of legal gaps. And neglecting the pressing need for border security reform.
Flawed Border Policies Endangering US Citizens
Senator Graham expressed worry about national security. He described the current threat situation, warning about possible terrorist attacks. He also mentioned the increased dangers of groups in Afghanistan and Hamas.
Graham stressed the importance of addressing border security issues. He stated that the flawed system is endangering American safety.
Senator Graham Calls For Utilizing Title 42 Authority
In an interview with CBS last year, he called on President Joe Biden to use the Title 42 authority. He used this during the Covid, to quickly remove undocumented immigrants. Graham repeated, “It’s not complicated.”
Title 42 authority comes from a law made during World War II about public health. It allowed for the kicking out of migrants to keep the public safe, even if they were seeking asylum. This policy ended in May.
Proposal For Mass Deportations Amid Record Asylum Seekers
Migrants arriving at the southern border seeking asylum are in limbo waiting for their cases to be decided.
Graham said the best solution would be to ship large numbers of migrants back to where they came. He said this would discourage others from attempting to enter the country: “1.7 million people are ready to be deported. Let’s deport them before we let new people in.”
Parole Misuse; A Part Of The Problem
Senator Lindsey Graham has raised concerns about Biden’s Administration’s misuse of immigration parole. Parole should be used on a case-by-case basis. It should only be granted in cases of urgent humanitarian need. It can also be granted for significant public benefit.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump gave parole to an average of 5,623 migrants each year to enter the United States.
Legal Concerns Rise Over Biden’s Parole Surge
“On average, Presidents Obama and Trump paroled 5,623 people [per year]. Last year, FY22, the Biden Administration paroled 795,561 people. The law requires an individual analysis of the parole request based on two factors, unique humanitarian need or special benefit to our country.
“There is no way in hell they did an individual analysis on 795,561 people,” the senator said in a press conference. “This blanket parole approach, I think, is illegal. I think the Biden Administration will lose in court.”
Immigration Parole, A Disguised Attempt At Open Border Policy
He also called Biden’s actions illegal. He claimed that the current border security policies are promoting illegal immigration. He also called the immigration parole ‘the tool of choice’ by the president to implement an ‘open borders’ policy.
“We’re playing Russian roulette with the American people’s national security by having a completely broken border.”
Republicans Warn Against Political Games In Border Negotiations
Leading Senate Republicans have warned their House colleagues not to play political games with the current negotiations because they won’t get a better deal later down the road even under a potential second Donald Trump presidency. “So to my Republican colleagues, this is a historic moment to reform the border.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. told reporters last month.
“To my Republican friends: To get this kind of border security without granting a pathway to citizenship is really unheard of. So if you think you’re going to get a better deal next time, In ’25, if President Trump’s president, Democrats will be expecting a pathway to citizenship for that,” he said
Growing Optimism For Bipartisan Deal On Asylum And Border Laws
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D. mirrored Graham’s view. “The Democrats will not give us anything close to this if we have to get 60 votes in the United States Senate in a Republican majority,” Thune said. “We have a unique opportunity here. And the timing is right to do this.”
The appeals from the Republicans come as senators are voicing growing optimism that they’re on the verge of closing off a bipartisan deal on tougher asylum and border laws that they have been negotiating for months. However, uncertainty looms as to whether the GOP-controlled House will accept it.
Challenges Ahead As Republicans Push For Border Deal Amid Uncertainty
The emerging Senate package is expected to raise the bar for people seeking asylum. It will grant additional powers to remove migrants to control the border. It will also restrict the use of parole to admit certain migrants waiting for their cases.
While it has not been finalized, the latter is the last remaining hurdle. Graham indicated Wednesday. “If we don’t fix parole, there’ll be no deal,” he said. Even as a potential Senate compromise has yet to be inked, hard-right House Republicans have threatened to kill the deal that’s designed to unlock support for new U.S. aid to Ukraine.
