Negotiators searching for a solution to the crisis on the southern border must overcome major policy differences, as well as deep skepticism from their allies, before reaching a deal on overhauling the nation’s asylum laws.
Given the chasm between the two sides, a potential agreement isn’t expected until September at the earliest.
The crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, where 144,000 migrants were detained last month, has overshadowed broader negotiations on border security, overhauling the nation’s legal immigration laws and creating a path to citizenship or permanent legal residency for young immigrants known as “Dreamers.”
“A lot of sticking points. I’ll give it a good college try,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has primary jurisdiction over immigration reform efforts.