In a setback for President Joe Biden's national security agenda, the collapse of Senate immigration negotiations is jeopardizing crucial aid packages to countries like Israel and Ukraine. Efforts to pass the aid package have been met with resistance from Republicans, who are demanding stricter U.S. asylum and parole laws in immigration proceedings. Bipartisan negotiations on a border policy deal between lawmakers have faltered, creating deep divisions between the two parties.

According to congressional aides familiar with the talks, Democrats have offered proposals to expedite and simplify the processing of asylum claims. They have even entertained changes to the "credible fear" standard, despite opposition from immigration advocates. However, Republicans are pushing for what Democrats consider to be "extreme policies" that would essentially dismantle the existing asylum system and grant expansive powers to shut down the border.

Democrats are realizing that Republicans are unwilling to compromise on a reasonable proposal that could pass, a Democratic aide stated. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the GOP demands, claiming they are influenced by former President Donald Trump and his advisor Stephen Miller. Schumer expressed a willingness to make concessions but asserted that progress cannot be made if Republicans refuse to meet them halfway.

Republican Senator John Cornyn defended his party's stance, emphasizing that this negotiation is not a typical bipartisan compromise. He sees the Republican demands as a necessary price to pay in order to secure the supplemental aid package. Frustrations are surfacing from both sides, with Senator Chris Murphy expressing his disappointment and accusing Republicans of presenting a "take it or leave it demand."

The negotiations, spearheaded by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), involved other senators such as Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). However, sources familiar with the negotiations claim that the Republican demands have been moving in the wrong direction.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stressed that Republicans have clearly stated that significant policy changes on immigration are necessary for the passage of Ukraine aid, which he supports. McConnell accused the White House and Democrats of issuing "bizarre public scoldings."

Even if negotiations resume and a deal is reached, its passage in the House is uncertain, as Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces pressure from conservative members to reject any immigration proposal that falls short of the House GOP's stringent border bill, H.R. 2.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin warned of serious consequences if the aid package fails, stating that it would have a detrimental impact on Ukraine and the humanitarian situation overall. It would also dampen support for Israel's efforts against Hamas.

The White House budget director, Shalanda Young, urgently appealed to Congress to swiftly approve the foreign aid funding, highlighting the pressing need to provide weapons and equipment to Ukraine and requesting additional resources before time runs out.

In response, Representative Johnson accused the Biden administration of failing to address legitimate concerns regarding Ukraine and the border crisis. He emphasized that any national security supplemental package should prioritize border security.

Ultimately, the resolution of this impasse hinges on whether Senate Democrats and the White House can engage in reasonable negotiations with their Republican counterparts. The fate of President Biden's national security package hangs in the balance as the clock ticks closer towards running out of resources and time.