In a time-sensitive race against the clock, conservative groups and former border officials are urging Republican lawmakers to reject a potential compromise on border funding that falls short of the House signature legislation passed earlier this year. As negotiations continue between Republicans, Democrats, and the Biden administration over a $106 billion supplemental spending agreement for the border, Israel, and Ukraine, Republicans are insisting on policy changes aimed at restricting the entry of migrants into the United States.

Republican lawmakers in the House, along with conservative groups, are calling for the inclusion of the entire H.R. 2 bill, which was passed in the chamber this year. H.R. 2 proposes sweeping changes such as ramping up border security, restarting border wall construction, reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico policy, and placing limits on the use of asylum and humanitarian parole, among other measures.

While a slimmer version of proposals taken from H.R. 2 was released by a Senate working group, the White House and Senate Democrats rejected it. Recent reports suggest that the Biden administration is open to certain proposals, including a Title 42-type expulsion authority under specific circumstances, expanded expedited removal, and the broadening of immigration detention. These proposals have received mixed reactions, drawing optimism from some Senate Republicans while facing criticism from Democrats and immigration activists.

However, the coalition of conservatives, who have previously warned against diluting H.R. 2, argue that the potential compromise falls short of what is needed to address the ongoing crisis at the border, which has reached historic highs in terms of migrant encounters.

Kevin Roberts, president of Heritage Action, emphasized that years of secretive negotiations and congressional weakness have led to the current immigration crisis. Roberts stated that Americans are tired of these negotiation tactics and expressed distrust in the administration's handling of additional funds and power to shape immigration rules. He stressed the importance of H.R. 2 in securing the border, stating that accepting anything less would be detrimental to both the American people and the rule of law.

Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center and a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, dismissed the Biden administration's claims of increased deportations and detentions.

Tom Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a Heritage visiting fellow, advocated for the policies outlined in H.R. 2 due to their proven success under the Trump administration. He questioned the need to negotiate when there is a blueprint for securing the border.

Mark Morgan, former acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), accused Senate Republicans of watering down their initial agreement, which he deemed crucial for success. He emphasized that simply allocating more funds and requesting enforcement of existing laws without incorporating the policy changes proposed in H.R. 2 would amount to failure. Morgan stressed that border security goes beyond immigration issues, as it is crucial to safeguarding the nation against various complex threats.

Chris Chmielenski, President of the Immigration Accountability Project, warned that the proposed compromise falls short of addressing the crisis at the border. He emphasized that any Republican who supports the compromise would share the responsibility with the Biden administration for the ongoing situation. Chmielenski emphasized that passing H.R. 2 is the only way to send a clear message that the U.S. border is closed.

As discussions continue, lawmakers are set to leave Washington for the holiday break on Thursday, raising uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached before then. Sources have confirmed that encounters breached the 10,000 mark at the southern border in a single day on Tuesday, underscoring the urgency of finding a resolution.