/ Modified jan 25, 2024 3:49 p.m.

Sinema says details on border-foreign aide negotiations likely out next week

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says details on border-foreign aid package likely out next week and will include funding for migrant services such as Tucson’s Casa Alitas, a quicker process for asylum claims and changes to manage large groups arriving at the border.

Krysten Sinema Kyrsten Sinema
Gage Skidmore, CC 2.0

Sen. Krysten Sinema (I) says the package includes policy changes to better manage the large numbers of migrants arriving at the border between ports of entry.

“We’ve all seen, of course, in recent months, the situation at Lukeville where thousands and thousands of people were coming in through holes in the border fence every day and just waiting to be processed by Border Patrol agents,” she said. “And we’re making changes to the law so that that won’t be possible and that won’t occur in the future.”

As well, Sinema said the asylum system is backlogged with people who don’t qualify for asylum, and changes in the package will process people faster.

“This package we’re working on right now would provide security to our border and change the asylum system so it’s no longer exploited by cartels, creating a humanitarian nightmare for migrants and border communities,” she said.

She said the deal also contains continued support and resources for Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the South Pacific.

Even if the Senate approves the package, it likely faces an uphill battle in the House.

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