Biden Signs Order to Secure Southern Border 5 Months Before Election
President Biden Takes Action to Address Illegal Immigration Crisis
President Joe Biden took decisive action on Tuesday to address the ongoing illegal immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. By signing an executive order, he suspended the processing of asylum claims for most migrants encountered along the border between official ports of entry after the daily number of such encounters hits 2,500.
This move comes as Biden aims to tackle one of his weakest political issues ahead of the upcoming November election. The order does not impact individuals entering at official crossings who have sought permission using the authorized Customs and Border Protection mobile app. It also creates exceptions for unaccompanied children, victims of trafficking, and individuals fearing torture.
In a statement from the White House, Biden expressed frustration with congressional Republicans, stating, “Republicans have left me no choice.” He attributed the need for executive action to Republican obstruction in passing a bipartisan deal earlier in the year.
Despite Biden’s efforts, there are doubts about the effectiveness of this action in improving his standing with voters who prioritize illegal immigration as a top issue. GOP pollster Neil Newhouse remarked, “He already has a failing grade from voters on immigration,” suggesting that the executive order may be seen as insufficient and belated.
Legal experts question the extent of Biden’s authority to implement such rules through executive order alone, rather than via legislation approved by Congress. Advocates for migrants are pledging legal action to block the enforcement of the order, echoing past challenges faced by former President Trump when he attempted similar actions.
The issue of asylum-seeking under the threat of violence or persecution is a fundamental right under international law and U.S. law. However, the significant influx of migrants following Biden’s reversal of many of Trump’s anti-immigration policies has raised concerns among Democrats and critics alike.
Earlier this year, bipartisan legislation supported by Senate Republicans and negotiated with Biden’s staff proposed stricter rules for claiming asylum and increased funding for Border Patrol staff and enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, the bill stalled after Trump instructed congressional Republicans not to pass it to avoid aiding Biden’s reelection campaign.
Biden criticized Trump’s influence in thwarting the legislation, calling it an “extremely cynical political move.” The former president, who has continuously attacked Biden on immigration issues, seized the opportunity to denounce Biden’s executive order as a “pro-invasion” measure.
During his remarks, Biden emphasized the importance of immigration to American society, invoking the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of the nation’s heritage as a land of opportunity and inclusion. He condemned Trump’s policies of separating families at the border and restricting immigration based on religious beliefs.
While advocating for the value of immigrants, Biden underscored the need to control the flow of migrants to ensure the country’s ability to accommodate them. He acknowledged the global migrant crisis and the United States’ role in providing refuge, while asserting the necessity of securing the border to manage the influx effectively.
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