Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Defends Border Legislation Against House Republican Criticisms
In a recent interview with Fox News, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., responded to the criticisms from House Republicans regarding the border legislation she co-authored. Sinema, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Management and worked on the bill with Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., addressed the concerns raised by Republicans about the emergency authority provision in the bill.
Misunderstandings Surrounding the Border Emergency Authority
Sinema acknowledged that there is a misunderstanding about this section of the law. She emphasized that the Border Emergency Authority is a critical element of the legislation. The provision allows for the triggering of emergency authority to prohibit migrant entry if average encounters surpass 4,000 or 5,000 per day. However, Republicans have criticized this provision, leading to mischaracterizations of its purpose.
Addressing Detention and Asylum Claims
Sinema stressed the need to expand detention capabilities given the lengthy Notice To Appear (NTA) timeframe for migrants released into the country. She stated that expanding detention beds would ensure that individuals are processed and deported immediately. However, she also acknowledged that certain groups, such as children and families, cannot be kept in detention. For them, a new system would be created to keep them under supervision while their asylum claims are assessed. Sinema explained that the rapid removal authority targeted by House Republicans serves as a backup plan if the processing of immigrants exceeds the capacity of increased detention facilities.
Republican Opposition and Biden’s Authority
Several House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, have been highly critical of the legislation. Johnson has declared it “dead on arrival,” while Stefanik believes that it incentivizes illegal immigration. Sinema disagreed with their arguments, stating that President Biden cannot secure the border unilaterally without congressional approval. She emphasized the need for more detention beds, citing the current figure as 34,000, and explained that the bill aims to increase the capacity to 50,000. Additionally, Sinema highlighted that the bill ends the catch-and-release policy seen under former Presidents Obama and Trump and raises the initial bars for asylum claims.
Border Security Measures and Trump’s Endorsement
Sinema pointed out that the legislation aligns with a border security improvement plan endorsed by former President Trump in August 2020. She emphasized the need for repair and construction of new elements of the border wall to prevent cartels from cutting holes and allowing unauthorized entries. However, Trump strongly condemned the legislation, calling it a “gift” to Democrats and a “death wish” for Republicans.
The Ongoing Debate and Legislative Stalemate
House Republicans have passed their own border security bill, H.R. 2, known as the Secure the Border Act. However, Senate Democrats consider it extreme, and it remains on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s desk. Sinema and Lankford have been working on the border control issue for years and are confident that their bill will address the necessary reforms desired by members of both parties.
Final Thoughts
The border legislation co-authored by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has sparked a heated debate between House Republicans and Senate Democrats. While Republicans criticize certain provisions, Sinema defends the bill’s intentions to expand detention capabilities, address asylum claims, and enhance border security measures. The fate of the legislation remains uncertain as both parties continue to clash over their respective approaches to immigration reform.
