Aid for Ukraine is being held up contingent - at least in the Senate - on some sort of border policy. It's unclear what sort of draconian border policy the GOP wants, but Chris Murphy seems to suggest it's a non-starter and "political theater". Surprise, surprise.
The question becomes what sort of policy is too extreme for Democrats? I think Dems would get behind more Border Patrol officers, for instance. They might even be for building some sections of border barriers. One thing that's clear is that there isn't much appetite for an "open border" even among mainline Democrats. Certainly some sort of reform of the asylum system is needed, whether it's more judges or not, I'm unqualified to say.
What is more interesting is that even a fairly strict border policy would probably be OK with Democrats as a means to possibly neutralize a wedge issue. New immigrants aren't voters, after all, and even Hispanic voters aren't thrilled with a porous border (for some reason). So what the hell are they asking for? I get that legislation only happens behind closed doors, but maybe shedding some light on this would be helpful.
Given the razor thin margins in the House, a Ukraine/Israel/Border bill that could pass the Senate might also pass the House. It's a curious impasse, unless the GOP is advocating for drone strikes on migrants. And who knows, maybe they are.
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