Biden’s border security move does not please voters as crisis continues
President Biden’s recent executive order aiming to address migrant crossings at the southern border has sparked mixed reactions from voters concerned about illegal immigration. A Monmouth University poll revealed that about 40% of voters support the order, while 27% oppose it. However, nearly half (46%) believe that the order is not tough enough on illegal immigration.
Interestingly, only 17% of respondents think the order is too harsh, while 31% feel it strikes the right balance. President Biden introduced this order as part of an effort to temporarily halt migrant entries once daily encounters exceed 2,500 over seven consecutive days. The executive order also includes a rule enforcing a higher standard for initial asylum screenings.
In his announcement, President Biden expressed his determination to take action on immigration through executive authorities, bypassing Republican opposition. However, the order has faced criticism from Democrats who perceive it as too stringent, and from Republicans who argue that it falls short in addressing the border crisis, which they attribute to the Biden administration’s policies.
The administration points fingers at Congress for failing to repair the “broken” immigration system, while the order has prompted the threat of a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union. The poll conducted by Monmouth University discovered that more Republicans (44%) support the order compared to Democrats (40%) and independents (38%).
Despite Republican backing, a considerable majority (73%) of those in favor of the order feel that it lacks toughness. Among independents supporting the order, 52% believe it’s not tough enough. On the contrary, 55% of those opposing the order think it’s excessively harsh. For Democrats against the order, 82% find it too tough, while 69% of its supporters believe it strikes the right balance.
The polling, conducted via telephone from June 6 to 10, 2024, included 1,106 U.S. adults, shedding light on the complexities faced by President Biden in handling the border crisis. The challenges emanate from pressure to enforce strict measures from some factions while navigating opposition within his own party.
According to Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, Biden’s ability to mollify Republicans on border policies is improbable. The ultimate test lies in whether he can appease independents without alienating specific Democrats. Murray attested that while initial public opinion results hint at some success, it’s not a straightforward political victory for the President.
The overarching sentiment indicates that Biden’s job performance approval stands at about 38% among Americans, with a disapproval rating of 58%. Despite a slight decrease compared to two months ago, this range aligns with his approval ratings since September, bottoming at 34% approval in that period.
Adding to the mix, there are speculations about Biden exploring the option of granting “parole in place” for spouses of U.S. citizens, a move that might serve as a counterbalance to criticisms from liberal activists. President Biden has alluded to forthcoming discussions on immigration reforms to promote fairness and justice within the system.
As the border crisis continues to pose complex challenges, navigating the delicate balance between tough immigration measures and public sentiment remains a herculean task for the Biden administration. The tussle to find a middle ground amidst opposing viewpoints and mounting pressure underscores the intricacies of managing one of the country’s most pressing issues.
