The Senate is advancing a bill that would allow states to challenge federal immigration policies and detain certain migrants.
Recently, the bill passed a key vote with some Democrats joining Republicans. This shows a shift in attitude, especially after the Democrats faced losses in the last election. They seem more open to discussing stricter immigration measures now.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune pointed out that border security was a big issue in the elections, and people want changes. Republicans are pushing hard for this bill, and many Democrats are negotiating for changes while still supporting it.
In the House, a similar version of the bill passed with support from both parties. This has given Republicans some early wins as they control the House, Senate, and White House. However, the bill doesn’t come with new funding for immigration officials, and estimates suggest it could cost around $83 billion over three years.
As Trump prepares to take office, he’ll be under pressure to fund his immigration priorities while also managing budget concerns. The Laken Riley Act doesn’t provide new funding, but Republicans are discussing a major funding package for border enforcement.
Democrats are trying to figure out their stance on immigration, with some wanting stricter measures and others advocating for support for migrants already in the U.S. One Democrat, Chris Murphy, criticized the bill for potentially complicating the system.
The legislation has become a rallying point for Republicans, especially after the tragic case of Riley. While Trump has often linked crime to immigration, studies show immigrants generally commit fewer crimes than U.S.-born citizens.
Experts believe the bill’s most significant impact might be the provision allowing state attorneys general to sue the federal government over immigration policies. This could give states more power in shaping immigration policy, which has been a contentious issue under both Trump and Biden.
