Senate Highlights Condition for Assistance to Ukraine

The Senate is prepared to approve aid for Ukraine in exchange for closing the U.S. border. A group of Republican senators is demanding changes to immigration policy, including not accepting asylum applications at the U.S. southern border, as a condition for supporting President Joe Biden's request for a $106 billion aid package for Israel and Ukraine, reports the Wall Street Journal.

This information is conveyed by RIA Novosti.

According to the newspaper, an initiative led by Senator Lindsey Graham represents a preliminary request in negotiations with Democratic colleagues and the White House, indicating a willingness to modify immigration policies. Informed sources suggest that White House officials have begun to gradually signal their readiness for certain changes in the asylum provision system. In recent days, administration representatives have reached out to prominent immigration advocates to prepare them for potential compromises that could generate negative reactions.

Meanwhile, progressive Democrats and civil rights advocates in Congress have begun to publicly oppose any potential deal even before the release of the Republicans' plan. At the end of October, the White House sent a request to Congress for additional budget allocations for the fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1. This request included funds for Israel and Ukraine, as well as investments in the Indo-Pacific region, humanitarian aid, and border security measures. Overall, the U.S. administration expects to receive approximately $106 billion for these needs.

However, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives approved a separate bill providing around $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, which does not mention Ukraine.