President Joe Biden’s approach to illegal immigration along the southern border with Mexico has faced criticism, with some suggesting he initially did not prioritize the issue. It wasn’t until January of the previous year that he made his sole visit to the border in El Paso to assess the situation firsthand, initially tasking Vice President Kamala Harris with addressing the matter.
However, recent developments indicate that Biden can no longer afford to overlook the problem. A Gallup poll reveals that 28% of American voters now view immigration as the most pressing issue facing the country, surpassing concerns about inflation, which stands at 11%. Of particular concern to Americans is illegal immigration, with 55% considering it a “critical threat” to the United States, compared to 39% in 2018.
Criticism has also emerged from within Biden’s own party ranks. This shift in sentiment is likely influenced by the intensifying election campaign, with former President Donald Trump positioning illegal immigration as an existential threat to America. Trump’s rhetoric during campaign appearances has depicted migrants in sweeping terms, labeling them as criminals and mentally ill individuals who pose a danger to the nation.
Trump has pledged to initiate the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history” if elected, considering measures such as deploying soldiers and military aircraft, as well as constructing large deportation facilities. However, Trump’s message has gained traction among voters due to the surge in illegal migration under Biden’s administration. Border guards have apprehended over 2 million migrants on the southern border with Mexico in the past two years, double the number recorded in 2019 under Trump. This influx has overwhelmed the country’s asylum system, with many applicants gaining entry after minimal scrutiny, leading to significant backlogs in asylum procedures.
Even Democratic mayors and governors have voiced criticism over the inadequate border protection and Washington’s perceived inaction. While most migrants seek honest work and a better life, some engage in criminal activities, underscoring concerns about public safety.
Trump’s recent comments on social media following the arrest of a suspect involved in a crime perpetrated by an individual who entered the country illegally further highlight the contentious nature of the immigration debate. Biden, however, has shown a renewed determination to address the issue, countering Trump’s narrative by visiting the border town of Brownsville, Texas. He blamed Trump and Republicans in Congress for obstructing efforts to reform migration policy, citing failed negotiations to tighten asylum policies and allocate funding for immigration authorities.
In response to Trump’s actions, Biden is reportedly considering unilateral measures to address immigration issues, including the implementation of measures outlined in a Senate agreement aimed at handling the Ukraine border crisis. This move, however, is likely to face legal challenges from civil rights organizations, underscoring the complexities surrounding immigration policy reform. Nonetheless, Biden’s potential actions signal a concerted effort to address immigration concerns and highlight the need for bipartisan cooperation to enact broader reforms.
