President Joe Biden has taken executive action to significantly restrict asylum at the US-Mexico border, in a move that may shape the upcoming re-election campaign. His efforts come amid increasing public concern over record levels of immigration and border security, which has consistently ranked as a top issue for voters according to recent polls. Former President Donald Trump and his campaign team have capitalized on these concerns, criticizing Biden's administration for what they describe as insufficient border control measures.
Biden's stance on immigration has notably shifted to the right compared to his previous campaign, where he had promised to restore asylum guarantees and criticized Trump's strict immigration policies. This change has led to mixed reactions within his party. While some Democratic sectors urge him to repudiate the border restrictions, others view the move as a necessary response to voter anxiety over uncontrolled immigration.
In a recent AP-NORC poll, 56% of Americans believe that Biden's presidency has negatively impacted immigration and border security, compared to 37% who felt the same about Trump's presidency. Notably, even among Democrats, only a minority view Biden's immigration policies as beneficial. Additionally, about half of Hispanic adults express dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of immigration, a critical demographic for the election.
The new executive order will essentially bar asylum requests at official ports of entry if daily encounters exceed 2,500. This measure, which many perceive as harsh, aims to curb the flow of refugees and migrants but has been criticized by advocates and some Democrats as being similar to Trump-era policies. Critics argue that it might not adequately address the humanitarian crisis and that it places additional strain on Mexico’s already overwhelmed immigration system.
Despite the controversy, some Democrats argue that Biden's actions are necessary to regain control of the border and assure voters of his commitment to national security. On the other hand, Trump’s campaign continues to push a narrative of crisis, promising more rigorous measures if he returns to office. The debate highlights deep divisions in American society on how best to manage immigration, with significant implications for both humanitarian concerns and electoral politics.
- Many Democrats are concerned that Republicans have effectively spread anti-immigration messages, influencing public opinion and causing even traditional supporters of immigration to become more reticent. Sue-Ann DiVito, a real estate agent and immigration advocate, notes that this shift in attitude reflects broader anxieties about the high numbers of people arriving in the United States.
- Pollster Frank Luntz notes that immigration is resonating with voters across the political spectrum, particularly among African Americans under 40 and among Latinos who are dissatisfied with what they see as inadequate control over illegal entry. This underscores a broader sentiment that Washington has failed to address the immigration crisis effectively.
- Former President Trump’s campaign continues to utilize alarmist rhetoric concerning border security, accusing Biden of causing a 'border bloodbath' and highlighting crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants. This strategy aims to appeal to 'safety moms'—suburban women concerned about crime and family safety.
- The new executive action also poses challenges for Mexico, where immigration authorities and facilities are being overwhelmed by the increased number of migrants waiting to cross into the United States. There are significant risks to migrants, including unaccompanied minors and women, who are vulnerable to organized crime and human trafficking.
