For decades now, both parties in Washington have been unhappy with the status quo at the U.S.-Mexico border. But finding a congressional solution to our border problem has never seemed more out of reach.

House Republicans are moving forward on a comprehensive immigration bill that few, if any, believe can pass the Democratic Senate, much less earn President Biden's signature. Meanwhile, despite Biden's campaign promises that he would start fresh, many Trump-era border policies are still in effect.

Bloomberg Government reporter Ellen M. Gilmer just returned from a trip to the border where she witnessed multiple groups of migrants being apprehended. She joins On The Merits, our weekly news podcast, to talk about what she saw and whether there is any hope for improvement.

Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.