Republicans criticize Biden’s stricter immigration policy before November election.
Republicans have criticized President Biden for a recently proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that it is a strategic move to enhance his standing against former President Trump in the approaching election.
“Biden is unveiling these new regulations on criminal migrants due to the fact they have released migrants with terrorism connections into the U.S. and are now rushing to protect themselves in case of an attack before the election,” remarked Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
The Department of Homeland Security unveiled the proposed rule amendment last week, which would expedite the process of evaluating “statutory bars to asylum.”
“This rule would empower DHS to promptly deport those who are subject to these bars and pose a threat to our national security or public safety,” stated a press release from the department.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., critiqued President Biden for opening the border with 94 executive actions in his first 100 days, only tightening asylum standards just months before an election. Capito labeled the action as “small and necessary,” but insufficient to address the broader border crisis.
Senator James Lankford, R-Okla., also voiced skepticism about the timing of the proposed rule, stating that Biden is attempting to change the narrative on the chaotic border shortly before an election, even though they have the authority to do more.
Despite Republican suspicion about the Biden administration’s motives for the rule change, not all Democrats were pleased with it either. Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif., expressed concerns about returning legitimate asylum-seekers to danger by moving the asylum bars to the initial credible fear interview stage.
“To enhance the asylum system, we must fully fund it and provide access to counsel,” Padilla emphasized.
“The proposed rule we have released today is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the American public by swiftly identifying and removing individuals who pose a security risk and have no legal basis to stay here,” stated Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Mayorkas, who recently became only the second Cabinet official to ever face impeachment, highlighted that Congress must ultimately resolve the broken immigration system. The House passed two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, but Senate Democrats promptly dismissed them upon receipt.
The proposal comes as the nation gears up for a closely contested presidential election in November, with Biden and Trump expected to face off in a tight rematch.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is contemplating reintroducing a border bill that was widely opposed by Republicans, signaling a renewed focus on border issues in the legislative arena.
With several Democratic senators facing tough re-election battles, the party is gearing up to defend its Senate majority in the upcoming elections.
