

Secure the Border, Say Republicans. So Why Are They Killing a Plan to Do That?
16 snips Feb 1, 2024
Karoun Demirjian, a Congressional correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the recent collapse of a bipartisan deal aimed at enhancing U.S.-Mexico border security. She reveals how Republicans linked Ukraine aid to border negotiations and the subsequent divisions that arose. Demirjian discusses President Biden's surprising shift toward tougher border policies and the impact of Trump's influence on GOP strategies. The tension between humanitarian needs and political maneuvering unfolds as both parties struggle to find common ground in a polarized Congress.
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Ukraine Aid as Leverage
- Republicans linked Ukraine aid to border security, a novel move.
- This linkage stemmed from the right wing's existing opposition to Ukraine aid.
Biden's Border Compromise
- Biden's acceptance of the GOP's ultimatum on border security was unprecedented.
- This marked a significant shift from traditional Democratic approaches to immigration.
Breaking with Democratic Precedent
- Democrats typically link border security negotiations with broader immigration reform.
- Biden's move broke with this precedent, causing concern among some Democrats.