In the face of impending Senate action on border security, funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, Senator Mark Wayne Mullen stands as the primary intermediary between the House and Senate. A great deal of work sits on his shoulders, yet he seems to express a certain degree of frustration with the White House for its late engagement in negotiation – a crucial process that has been in limbo for months.
Senator Mullen disclosed that the biggest mistake was the presumption that negotiating with Schumer was plausible. Now, it has come to light that Schumer is simply an extension of Biden's administration. The White House's last-minute involvement has complicated the matter further, making the timely accomplishment of true border security and reforms nearly impossible.
Remembering the fact that the last immigration reform took place back in 1985, during McConnell's first year in office and Reagan's presidency, Senator Mullen emphasized that the complexity of returning to the subject after so many decades cannot be undermined. A week to inspect it meticulously seems inadequate; getting it wrong isn't an option.
Senator Mullen shared three benchmarks to gauge the legislation’s effectiveness. Firstly, a change in the asylum process is integral. The first country of entry should necessitate remaining there and claiming asylum. At present, the U.S. is the only country not following this regulation, which, if implemented, could reduce border crossing by 70%.
Secondly, border enforcement must be strengthened. The apprehended should be sent back immediately. Currently, a slip of paper declaring their legal presence in the U.S. for four to eight years accompanies those who cross the border unlawfully until their court hearing.
Lastly, a surge in border security personnel is needed, as they often run short within an hour of being on duty due to the high number of apprehensions.
Despite some Democrats and the White House seeming to agree with these stipulations, Mullen hinted at a game of evasion being played, with irrelevant alternatives being offered instead of addressing the real matter at hand. However, he remains optimistic that success lies at the end of this challenging endeavor, asserting that his motivation is purely for national safeguarding and not political positioning or gain.
