The White House is pressuring members of Congress to strike a deal that would result in aid for Ukraine in exchange for potential asylum restrictions. Asylum seekers from Cameroon, like Ornela Medom, are pleading with lawmakers to consider the impact of any potential changes. The White House is seeking a $110 billion aid package for Ukraine, including military funds for Israel and Taiwan, but Republicans are insisting on border restrictions as part of the deal. Democrats and progressive legislators are urging their party not to accept major changes to US border law. The terms of the deal have not been made public, but it is expected to include expanded enforcement, deportations, changes to make it harder to get asylum, and possibly limits to the president’s parole authority. Negotiations are ongoing, and there is pressure from the Republican side to include meaningful new border restrictions. Democrats are concerned that any deal could result in historically exclusionary and restrictive immigration legislation. The stakes are high as most recent immigration policy has been set by presidential administrations through executive actions and rules. Border crossings have hit record highs since Biden took office, leading to criticism from Republicans and within the Democratic Party. Critics argue that the deal could further alienate the Democratic base and compromise the party’s values.