House Republicans passed an aggressive but symbolic border security and immigration package Thursday following months of negotiations and a series of last-minute obstacles.
The legislation would ensure fewer people could claim asylum in the US, restart border wall construction, and lock more migrants in detention facilities. The House vote was 219-213, with all Democrats in opposition and only two Republican defections: Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and John Duarte (Calif.).
The bill’s passage comes on the same day the US ends the pandemic-era border restriction, Title 42, and the Biden administration struggles to manage an increase in migrant arrivals.
“We’re here ...