Biden’s border policies could continue if swing state Dem governor becomes nominee.
With the ongoing debate surrounding President Biden’s mental acuity and calls for a new Democratic nominee for the 2024 election, speculation has arisen about Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro potentially taking Biden’s place. As governor of a crucial swing state that could determine the outcome of the election, how would Shapiro handle the pressing border crisis that has plagued the U.S. for over three years?
Shapiro himself dismissed the idea of replacing Biden, asserting that he intends to serve his full term as governor and not pursue a presidential run. Yet, his previous actions and statements as Pennsylvania’s attorney general shed light on his approach to immigration and border policies.
In the past, Shapiro was vocal in opposing former President Trump’s border policies, particularly condemning the practice of separating families at the border. Alongside other attorneys general, he filed a lawsuit against this policy, which was later abandoned, leading to a settlement between the Biden administration and affected families.
Shapiro criticized the policy as “abhorrent” and contrary to U.S. asylum laws and values. He also raised legal concerns about Trump’s national emergency declaration to redirect funds for the border wall project, emphasizing the need for clear guidance on funding sources.
As governor, Shapiro aligns with President Biden’s views on addressing the border crisis, advocating for legislative reforms to overhaul the immigration system. Like Biden, Shapiro supports a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants and emphasizes the importance of securing the border.
In his efforts to tackle the immigration issue, Shapiro urged Washington to pass comprehensive immigration reform and criticized the failure of both parties over multiple administrations to find a solution. He also condemned Trump for obstructing a bipartisan immigration bill and injecting chaos into the system.
In response to pressure from state Republicans to deploy the National Guard to the border, Shapiro refused to involve Pennsylvania’s National Guard in what he deemed a politically motivated conflict created by Texas Governor Abbott. His stance mirrors Biden’s calls for legislative action and blames Republicans and Trump for impeding progress on immigration policies.
While Biden has implemented executive actions to manage border arrivals, Republicans argue that the administration’s policies have exacerbated the crisis. They advocate for a return to Trump-era measures, such as resuming wall construction, restricting asylum, and reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico policy.
Shapiro’s proposed solutions and criticisms of the handling of the border crisis align closely with Biden’s approach, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of immigration laws while prioritizing border security and humane treatment of migrants. As the potential political landscape for 2024 unfolds, Shapiro’s stance on these critical issues may play a significant role in shaping the future direction of U.S. immigration policies.
