In a recent development, the White House and Senate Democrats have dismissed a Republican proposal aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis at the southern border. The proposal, which includes sweeping border security measures and asylum limits, has been labeled as a "total non-starter" by Democratic officials.

The Senate Republican working group unveiled a series of measures on Monday, largely drawn from the House GOP's border and immigration legislation, H.R. 2. The proposed measures would serve as a condition for Republicans to agree to a $105 billion request for aid for Ukraine and Israel, which also includes $14 billion for border operations.

One of the key provisions in the Senate proposal is the requirement for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume construction of the border wall, which was abruptly halted by the Biden administration earlier this year. Additionally, the bill calls for DNA collection, efforts to improve border patrol retention by increasing overtime and enhancing recruitment.

The proposed legislation also seeks to impose significant restrictions on the federal government's ability to release migrants into the interior. Furthermore, it would bar DHS from using class-based criteria for humanitarian parole, a process that allows for the parole of thousands of migrants, including Afghan and Ukrainian nationals, through the CBP One app on a daily basis.

Moreover, the Republican proposals aim to raise the "credible fear" standard for asylum claims and tighten asylum limits for individuals who have traveled through third countries without claiming asylum. It also states that migrants found guilty of felonies or serious crimes would be deemed ineligible for asylum.

The bill also includes a provision that requires DHS to keep families in custody while charges for illegal crossings are pending. This measure intends to prevent migrants from bringing children along to expedite their release due to current limitations on the detention period for minors.

Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, have expressed their support for the proposal, emphasizing the need to change course from President Biden's border policies. They argue that the proposed measures would reduce illegal migration, prioritize legitimate claims to entry, and restore order.

However, the White House swiftly rejected the Republican proposal while expressing a willingness to engage in a "serious conversation" on immigration. The administration's spokesperson, Angelo Fernandez Hernandez, stated that President Biden supports comprehensive reforms and disagrees with many of the policies contained in the Senate Republican border proposal. The spokesperson also highlighted the absence of an earned path to citizenship for Dreamers and others.

Senate Democrats echoed the White House's rejection, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling the proposal a "total non-starter" and stating that making Ukraine funding conditional on hard-right border policies that are unlikely to pass Congress is a significant mistake. Senator Dick Durbin added that the proposed framework is inconsistent with American values and fails to secure the border.

Notably, some conservatives were also dissatisfied with the Republican proposal, citing omissions such as restrictions on unaccompanied minors. Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, criticized Republicans for producing an ineffective and weak border security proposal, urging Congress to pass H.R. 2 in its entirety.

As the immigration debate continues to unfold, the Biden administration must confront the growing challenges at the southern border, while Republicans and Democrats remain divided on the best approach to address the crisis.