Senators Draft Bipartisan Immigration Deal to Save ‘DACA’ During Lame Duck

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, here in 2019 when she was a Democrat before becoming an Independent, could be embroiled in a three-way race in 2024 in seeking a second term. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo

Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) are trying to clinch a deal on immigration reform in a last-ditch effort before Congress breaks for the holidays as President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program comes to a close.

There is speculation from some immigration reform advocacy groups that the draft framework of the deal, which is already being circulated among lawmakers, would provide a pathway to citizenship for 2 million “Dreamers”—illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children—and provide up to $40 billion in border security.

It would also reportedly extend Title 42 for at least a year, while processing centers are set up. Title 42 is a Trump-era policy that allowed authorities to restrict those seeking asylum from crossing into the United States during the pandemic.

The White House hasn’t seen all “the language on that particular bill” but knows “there’s a drafted proposal,” according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Sens. Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Tillis (R-N.C.) hope to gain the support of enough of their colleagues to pass the legislation, which would include about a dozen senators from the GOP.

Many Democrats in the Senate are upbeat about their prospects.

“As author of the Dream Act, I applaud every good faith effort to give these deserving individuals a path to citizenship,” Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wrote on Twitter. “I’ve been in touch w/ my colleagues & will carefully review their proposal. I’m determined to do everything to help deliver a Christmas Miracle for Dreamers.”

But some Republicans in the Senate aren’t feeling as optimistic.

“I think until the Biden administration owns up to its responsibilities on the border it’s not possible to pass an immigration bill,” Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), reportedly said.

Meanwhile, the LIBRE Initiative and Americans for Prosperity, two groups reportedly part of conservative megadonor Charles Koch’s network, released a joint statement praising the deal.

“Action on our immigration system, particularly border security is long overdue by lawmakers in Congress. Our nation’s southern border has faced immense pressure throughout the years and needs to be addressed now by legislators on both sides,” said Daniel Garza, President of the LIBRE Initiative, and Jorge Lima, VP of Policy at Americans for Prosperity.

“At the same time, the plight of Dreamers, who have no permanent way to become right with the law, continues to be threatened by uncertainty around their future in America. Dreamers are contributors to our economy, businesses, communities, and society and continue to have majority support among voters from both parties to find a permanent solution. Inaction has become the norm by Congress on immigration and it’s time for the status quo to change.”