Major Immigration Overhaul Expected in Military Aid Package for Israel and Ukraine, Anticipates Sen. James Lankford
Senator James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, has forecasted significant changes to America’s immigration system as part of a military aid package for Israel and Ukraine. Lankford, leading GOP senators in negotiations on border issues, emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms, particularly addressing asylum processes, to be included in the package set to be finalized in Congress by the end of the year.
While the Biden administration has proposed substantial funds for Israel and Ukraine, along with $14 billion for border security, GOP lawmakers, including Lankford, insist that these funds should be tied to policy changes, especially regarding the asylum system. Lankford stated on ABC’s “This Week” that the proposal must make a substantial difference in reforming the handling of asylum issues from top to bottom.
When questioned by anchor George Stephanopoulos about supporting overseas aid without significant border legislation, Lankford asserted that both issues must be addressed together. He acknowledged the complexities of immigration reform but stressed the importance of getting it right for a legal and orderly process, contrasting it with the current chaotic situation at the southern border.
Lankford highlighted the escalating statistics of migrants encountered at the southern border, describing the situation as spiraling out of control. In response, White House spokesman John Kirby urged immediate attention to the administration’s $100 billion funding request, emphasizing that Congress had previously overlooked President Biden’s immigration reform plan.
On the question of supporting former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Lankford indicated that the decision would ultimately be made by the American people. When pressed by Stephanopoulos, Lankford expressed a preference for Trump over Democratic President Joe Biden if Trump were the nominee, citing a choice between two different sets of policies. Regarding Trump’s legal issues, Lankford emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and acknowledged that there is a long way to go in the legal process.
Source: ABC News
