Biden Intervene?

Biden has proposed seeking approximately $100 billion, with an additional $60 billion allocated for Ukraine within the National Security Supplemental package. The Republicans, however, have linked this proposal to a Border package, strategically placing the President in the midst of the Immigration Reform debate. Central to this debate are the issues of Asylum and the escalating influx of migrants at the border.

Despite the White House's continuous efforts to advance the bill, there exists an expectation within some segments of Biden's base for him to display his renowned deal-making skills. The challenge lies in the Republicans intertwining border-related demands with support for Ukraine, a cause widely endorsed by both chambers. Yet, a faction within the GOP contends that the U.S. has already provided sufficient aid to Ukraine, advocating for a peace-oriented approach with Russia.

This situation poses a political dilemma for Biden. If he accedes to the GOP's Border demands, there's a potential risk to the existing Asylum laws, which may be remembered by Immigration Reform supporters and the Hispanic bloc that will have 2024 consequences for Biden, as this new cycle could witness the emergence of a bloc of young Hispanic voters who may be influenced by Biden's decisions. Alternatively, if Biden allows his negotiators to handle the discussions while he remains in the background, he might weather the political storm once the negotiations conclude.

Nevertheless, the Hispanic bloc remains aware that their concerns during the initial phase of the Biden administration did not receive sufficient political attention, risk and capital. Failure to address Immigration reform and everything that comes with it is Biden’s track record that will be remembered by Latino voters next year.