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When you think you are running out of time and always running behind the clock, remember Senators Tom Tillis (R-NC) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), who are working against the clock to introduce their bipartisan immigration reform in the Senate before Congress ends its session this 2022. What is in the reform?
The agreement appears to be a traditional quid pro quo. As reported by The Washington Post, the deal would involve a path to citizenship for 2 million dreamers, billions for border security, and even an extension of Title 42, a Trump administration policy that allows for the immediate removal of illegal immigrants at the southern border.
“The last-minute push comes as Congress faces the end of another term without addressing immigration reform, as the United States prepares for the end of mass deportations at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as the possibility of a federal judge terminating an Obama-era program that protects Dreamers from being deported,” the newspaper explained.
The Tillis-Sinema immigration reform
After months of negotiations, the two senators drafted a bill that, in the best possible scenario, will be dealt with by the Senate before the end of the year. According to reports, neither congressional leaders nor the White House were active parties in the negotiations.
The legislation addresses old, and not so old, priorities of both parties. On the Democratic side, Sinema made sure to find a space for dreamers, those children who were brought to the country illegally by their parents and who are covered under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
The bill would provide a path to citizenship for some 2 million dreamers in exchange for a large investment in border security. The agreement also involves an additional $25 billion to $40 billion in aid, which will go to the federal Border Patrol and border security. This money includes the hiring of more officers and a pay raise, among other items.
In addition, the text includes a temporary extension of Title 42, which allows for the immediate removal of illegal migrants.
However, time is the enemy.
A federal judge ordered the suspension after December 21, so both senators will have to step on the gas during this final stretch of the year if they hope to be able to vote on their bill before 2023.
Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]