In a recent interview with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, he emphasized the importance of addressing the broken border situation in the United States while discussing ongoing negotiations for Ukraine aid. The interview, aired on December 31, 2023, shed light on Graham's efforts to secure the Republican Party's support for the proposed deal.

Graham expressed his hope that Republicans can come to an agreement on the proposed deal, not only for the sake of Ukraine but also for the national security of the United States. He stressed that the increasing threats from jihadist groups and the surge of migrants crossing the border pose significant challenges. Graham highlighted that in December alone, there was a 400% increase in arrivals compared to the previous year, with about 300,000 migrants arriving at the border.

The Senator emphasized the need for the administration to utilize Title 42 authority, which would allow them to deny entry to individuals due to COVID-19 concerns, effectively sending a message that the country is full. Graham proposed that this authority would help mitigate the inflow of migrants and alleviate the strain on the border. He further pressed for the deportation of the estimated 1.7 million individuals who are ready to be deported but have not been.

During the interview, Graham also addressed concerns regarding the negotiation process. He mentioned that there is ongoing debate surrounding the issue of expulsion authority, with some negotiators seeking more exceptions that could potentially undermine the effectiveness of any agreed-upon policy changes. Graham remained steadfast in his belief that policy changes focusing on asylum reform, limitations on parole, and the reinstatement of Title 42 authority would be enough to garner support from the Republican Party as well as pass in the House.

The interview also touched upon the connection between the Ukraine aid package and the border situation. Graham highlighted that while he wants to provide aid to Ukraine and support Israel, it is crucial to address the broken border in the United States first, given the national security risks involved. He urged the Biden administration to accept the tools and policy changes proposed by Republicans to control the influx of migrants and prioritize border security.

Additionally, Graham briefly discussed the potential criminal liability of former President Donald Trump. He argued that presidential immunity can be claimed depending on the circumstances and questioned whether Trump's conduct on January 6th, during the impeachment trial, warranted prosecution. Graham expressed doubts that the case would go to trial before the next election.

As negotiations on Ukraine aid continue, Senator Lindsey Graham is actively advocating for border security measures. His stance reflects the Republican Party's concerns about national security and the need to address the broken border situation before providing aid to foreign nations.