GOP using overseas aid as bargaining chip for immigration victory
Record Numbers of Illegal Immigrants Surge at Southern U.S. Border
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has told Congress that the country’s immigration system is in need of a top-to-bottom update. As the Biden administration faces pressure from Republicans, they are considering restricting the asylum and humanitarian parole process in exchange for approval of the president’s year-end request for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and national security needs. This comes as Mayorkas, the face of the administration’s immigration policy, faces impeachment proceedings from House Republicans over what they view as failed border policies.
Updating the Asylum Process
A core group of senators, both Republicans and Democrats, are discussing a deal that would provide funding for overseas wars in exchange for changes to the asylum process. The senators are considering making it tougher for illegal immigrants to pass the initial screening used by asylum officers to decide whether they can stay in the country to pursue their asylum case. The idea is to raise the threshold for asylum claims from a “significant possibility” of success to “more likely than not.” Critics argue that the current screening standard is too low and allows many asylum-seekers to remain in the country for years while their cases go through backlogged courts and eventually fail.
Restricting Biden’s Parole Authority
Additionally, the senators are discussing ways to restrict President Biden’s ability to use parole authority to admit people temporarily into the country under humanitarian parole. Biden has utilized this authority for various groups, including Ukrainians fleeing after Russia’s invasion and Afghans, Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans. Some Republican critics argue that the White House is overreaching by using parole authority to allow hundreds of thousands to enter the U.S. in ways Congress did not intend.
Seeking Border Security Changes
House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed the need for real border security changes as part of Biden’s broader war funding package. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer believes that the GOP demand for border security is extraneous to the Ukraine aid package. The Biden administration, desperate for improvements at the border, has not warned Democrats against making a deal with Republicans.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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What actions has the Biden administration taken to secure the border and address the root causes of migration
They can proceed with their asylum claims. Currently, many illegal immigrants are able to enter the asylum process and remain in the country for years while their cases are being processed. The proposed changes would aim to expedite the process and reduce the number of illegal immigrants using this avenue to stay in the United States.
While some argue that this approach would undermine the principles of compassion and humanity that underlie the asylum system, others argue that it is a necessary step to address the overwhelming number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border. The surge in illegal border crossings has reached record numbers in recent months, with Border Patrol apprehending over 1.7 million individuals since October 2020.
Several factors have contributed to this surge. First and foremost is the dire economic situation in many Central American countries, compounded by the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Widespread poverty, violence, and corruption have driven thousands of individuals to flee their homes in search of a better life in the United States.
In addition, the Biden administration’s reversal of several Trump-era policies has created a perception among potential migrants that the border is more open. The rescission of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, allowed asylum seekers to wait in the United States for their court hearings instead of Mexico. This change, coupled with a halt to most deportations during the early days of the administration, has sent a message that the United States is once again welcoming migrants.
Securing the Border
In response to the surge of illegal immigration, the Biden administration has taken steps to secure the border and address the root causes of migration. Enhanced border enforcement efforts, including the deployment of additional Border Patrol agents and the construction of physical barriers, have been implemented to deter illegal crossings. The administration has also emphasized the need for increased cooperation with Central American countries to address the underlying issues driving migration.
However, these measures alone are not enough to solve the complex challenges at the border. A comprehensive approach is required, one that combines border security with immigration reforms and addressing the root causes of migration. This includes working with Congress to enact legislation that provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants already in the country and reforms the legal immigration system to meet the needs of the economy.
Furthermore, cooperation with countries in the region is essential to addressing the root causes of migration. The United States must support efforts to promote economic development, improve governance, and combat corruption in order to provide viable alternatives for individuals considering migrating to the United States.
The Way Forward
Addressing the surge of illegal immigration at the southern border requires a balanced and comprehensive approach. It is essential to secure the border, enforce immigration laws, and deter illegal crossings. However, it is equally important to address the underlying reasons that drive individuals to leave their homes and embark on dangerous journeys in search of a better life.
The Biden administration, working in collaboration with Congress, must take decisive action to update the immigration system and provide a fair and efficient process for asylum seekers. This includes considering necessary changes to the asylum process to prevent abuse while upholding the principles of compassion and humanitarianism. At the same time, efforts must be made to engage with countries in the region and address the root causes of migration.
The challenges at the southern border are complex, but with thoughtful and coordinated actions, they can be effectively addressed. It is incumbent upon the government to work across party lines and find common ground to ensure the security of the border, protect the rights of asylum seekers, and create long-term solutions to reduce unauthorized immigration into the United States.
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