Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma is facing criticism following the release of supposed details from an extensive immigration bill he contributed to, which leaked this past weekend.
Immigration Reform Challenge
The U.S. Congress is actively pursuing immigration legislation in light of a surge in migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, an issue that has challenged lawmakers on Capitol Hill for many years.
Border Encounters Surge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection data reveals that in the 2023 fiscal year, there were over 2.4 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border, marking a significant increase from the approximately 1.7 million encounters recorded in 2021.
Political Divide on Immigration Policies
Due to this influx of migrants, Republicans, including Senator Lankford, criticize President Biden’s immigration strategies. They are advocating for stricter border control, while Democrats focus on easing the immigration pathway for asylum seekers.
Bipartisan Deal
A bipartisan agreement is being sought to appease the Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate.
Border Security Negotiations
Lankford has been actively involved in negotiating the components of a final border security agreement within the Senate, which is part of a larger $106 billion national security supplemental package encompassing funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Leak Sparks Outrage
On Saturday, the conservative Immigration Accountability Project leaked the supposed details of the immigration plan. This revelation has ignited widespread anger among MAGA supporters, who view the policies as too lenient.
Alleged Bill Provisions
The leaked information suggests the bill might allow up to 5,000 migrant entries per day and provide work permits to H-1B visa holders and undocumented immigrants.
Bill Places Limits on Parole
The alleged bill contains certain limitations on the government’s capacity to grant parole to migrants who enter the US through ports of entry without authorization.
Taxpayer-Funded Lawyers
The bill is also reported to include provisions for offering “taxpayer-funded lawyers” to unaccompanied minors and migrants who are determined to be mentally incompetent. Senator Lankford has refuted these claims.
Warning to Lankford
In response to the alleged weak immigration plan, Oklahoma state senator Dusty Deevers is cautioning that Lankford may face a resolution condemning him if the Senate proceeds with the agreement.
Lankford’s Role and Possible Resolution
Deevers, in a post on X, emphasized Lankford’s pivotal role in the ongoing situation, stating, “Should he [Lankford] choose to protect the American people by enforcing the law and rejecting this deal, then this resolution will not be submitted. Time will tell.”
Deevers’ Ultimatum
The Oklahoma state senator warns that he would submit a resolution condemning Lankford if he “strikes any deal with Senator [Chuck] Schumer in which any amount of illegal entries are permitted, work permits are issued to illegal aliens, or any amnesty is granted to illegal aliens.”
“Open Border Betrayal”
Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and radio talk show host, expressed his readiness to campaign against Lankford in Oklahoma. He warned of serious political consequences if Lankford proceeded with what he termed an “open border betrayal.”
Lankford’s Response
Senator Lankford addressed the allegations on X, urging the public to assess internet information critically. He quoted Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “A lie will go round the world while the truth is pulling its boots on,” advocating for people to read the actual bill before passing judgment.
Johnson Disapproves of Leaked Bill Details
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, disapproves of the details of the leaked bill. Through a post on X, he made his opposition clear, indicating he would not back the legislation if the revealed information proved accurate.
Push for H.R. 2 Border Security Bill
Johnson and House GOP lawmakers have been pushing for the passage of their border security bill, H.R. 2, which was approved in May of last year and serves as their primary legislative solution for immigration policy.
Resuming Border Wall Construction
The bill calls for the Department of Homeland Security to resume constructing a border wall initiated during the Trump administration.
More Patrol Agents
Additionally, it authorizes the agency to recruit an additional 22,000 Border Patrol agents and implement more effective border security measures.
Biden’s Veto Pledge
President Joe Biden, however, has vowed to veto it if it reaches his desk.
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