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The latest attempt to avoid a shutdown in the United States has become a battle between the Mexico border wall and the Ukraine War. Why so?

Republicans in the US Congress are threatening to force a government shutdown. They are seeking more monetary allocation to tighten security along the US-Mexico border while putting their foot down on Democrats’ demand for funding for the war in Ukraine.

Though a deal on US spending was reached, the contours haven’t been agreed to yet.

Republicans are blocking the emergency funding for Ukrainians and threatening a government shutdown until their demands are met. They are demanding that the Democrat-majority Senate pass a bill that would effectively end access to asylum at the border. The bill was passed by the Republican-led House of Representatives in May.

Illegal immigration is a major issue for conservatives. It is one of the planks on which the Republicans are highlighting ahead of the elections later this year.

Over the past two years, border apprehensions have soared to record highs, exceeding 2 million in fiscal year 2023 alone.

DEMOCRATS SEEK FUNDS FOR UKRAINE, ISRAEL

The Democrats are seeking an additional $50 billion of military aid for Ukraine. Republicans are bargaining hard as they say that preventing illegal immigrants from entering the US is a priority.

The US Congress has already approved $100 billion in aid for Ukraine since Russia invaded it in 2023.

Democrats are also seeking funds for security aid to Israel.

WHY THE FIGHT FOR TIGHTER BORDER CONTROLS

Republicans blame President Biden’s looser policies for fuelling a surge in the entry of illegal immigrants. They say the Biden administration has dismantled Trump-era restrictions and has been welcoming immigrants with open arms. They see the situation as a national security and economic crisis.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has outlined what the GOP (Grand Old Party) wants. They want to bring back the policies from when Trump was president, stop people from seeking asylum at the border, and focus on building more border walls.

Their proposed bill, HR. 2 (Secure the border Act of 2023), suggests giving the Homeland Security Secretary more authority to control who can come into the country.

President Joe Biden will veto the bill, the White House has said.

They also want to build at least 900 more miles of border walls. Additionally, the bill suggests detaining families and quickly sending unaccompanied children back.

HOPE FOR BIPARTISANSHIP

Behind the scenes, a ray of hope shimmers as a bipartisan group of senators, led by Chris Murphy, James Lankford, and Krysten Sinema, seeks common ground.

Possible agreements might involve making it harder for people to seek asylum, speeding up deportations, and creating a new authority to expel individuals, inspired by Title 42 (a rule that said ‘no visitors allowed’ at the US border because of sickness worries).

Strong opposition from Democrats, especially from a group of Hispanic lawmakers and advocates for immigrants, continues.

THREAT OF SHUTDOWN LOOMS LARGE

There is a threat of a US government shutdown that could put millions of employees on furlough and suspend several services.

January 19 and February 2 shutdown deadlines loom with the Republicans digging in their heels. Adding fuel to the fire, House Republicans pushed for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, further complicating negotiations.

The future of funding for US border security, help for Ukrainians and Israelis, and government services are uncertain. It completely depends on what the Republicans and the Democrats can extract from the negotiations.