Less than two weeks after taking office, President Biden signed an executive order signaling a shift in U.S. immigration policy. However, nearly three years later, he finds himself entertaining permanent restrictions on asylum in order to gain the support of congressional Republicans for military aid to Ukraine.

The Biden administration had promised to "restore and strengthen" the U.S. asylum system, rejecting the border policies of former President Donald Trump that caused "needless human suffering." Yet, the present scenario reflects a seismic shift in the politics of immigration, driven by various factors.

Record levels of migrant apprehensions along the southern border have strained federal and local resources, causing Democratic-led cities like New York and Chicago to struggle with accommodating new arrivals. Consequently, public polling reveals that a majority of Americans view President Biden's immigration agenda unfavorably.

Acknowledging the need for compromise, the White House has engaged in negotiations with Senate Republicans to find common ground on immigration policy. These talks, aimed at a $100 billion emergency funding package that includes foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, have garnered positive feedback from Republican negotiators.

However, this has created divisions among Democrats, with progressives expressing concerns that President Biden is conceding major concessions to Republicans without accomplishing long-standing Democratic legislative priorities on immigration, such as providing legal status to "Dreamers" and other undocumented immigrants.

The absence of Latino lawmakers in these negotiations has further raised concerns. Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the longest-serving member of Congress within the Hispanic Caucus, noted the exclusion, calling it a "hard slap in the face" to the Latino communities they represent.

While the Biden administration claims to have briefed Latino lawmakers and acknowledges their concerns, Rep. Nanette Barragán, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, disputes this, stating that they have not been consulted on the reported offers on the table.

The shift towards considering restrictions on asylum has drawn criticism from within the Democratic party. Rep. Joaquin Castro warns against accepting Trump's anti-immigrant policies, emphasizing the dangers of tying immigration policy to foreign aid funding.

However, Cecilia Muñoz, former President Obama's top immigration aide, argues that the Biden administration is seeking tools to balance the need to protect individuals fleeing danger with the need for an orderly process at the border. Muñoz believes there should be no confusion about how President Biden would use these authorities differently from the previous administration.

As negotiations continue and tensions rise within the Democratic party, the ultimate outcome of President Biden's bid for Republican support on military aid, and the potential impact on asylum policies, remains uncertain.

In conclusion, President Biden's consideration of drastic asylum restrictions marks a significant departure from his earlier promises to restore and strengthen the U.S. asylum system. As the politics of immigration continue to evolve, finding a bipartisan compromise becomes crucial for addressing the challenges at the southern border and securing support for other legislative priorities.