The current congressional proposal — one of the most conservative ever, observers say — is ambitious. But immigration laws passed decades ago are dated and can’t be changed easily.

Failed democratic states, violence and climate change will continue to drive people to the United States, Murray said.

Even if supplemental funding is approved, there will not be immediate effects felt on the border, as migrants who are denied legal entrance will likely continue to cross illegally.

Migrants don’t often understand nuanced changes in immigration policy, Yale-Loehr said.

“People who are fleeing likely don’t read The New York Times. They are going to come no matter what the law is or how Congress changes,” Yale-Loehr said.

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