Debating: Trump, DeSantis, and 2024 GOP candidates’ views on immigration and the border.

The First Republican Presidential Debate: Immigration and Border Security

The first Republican ‍presidential debate is quickly approaching‍ on Aug. 23, and candidates are gearing up to close the gap on former President Donald Trump and stand out from the rest of the pack. In this series, Up For Debate, the Washington Examiner will delve into a⁤ key issue or policy‌ every day leading up to the debate. Today, we will examine ⁢the crucial topics of ​immigration and border security.

Homeland Security and the Global⁤ Migration Phenomenon

During the first debate of the GOP primary season, homeland security ⁣and the global migration phenomenon will take center stage.

Between President Joe ⁢Biden’s first full month in office in February 2021 and June 2023, federal law enforcement at the nation’s borders encountered a staggering 6,666,409​ people ⁤attempting to enter the United States⁢ unlawfully, according to public data from Customs and⁣ Border Protection. Out of this ⁣number, ⁤5,094,425 individuals were apprehended by Border ⁣Patrol agents after crossing​ illegally between ports of ⁢entry on the U.S.-Mexico border.

An additional 1.5 million “gotaways,” noncitizens who evaded arrest, were also counted ‍by the Department of Homeland Security.

These numbers ‍have surpassed ​any​ other period in the Border Patrol’s century-long existence and have captured ⁢the attention of⁣ Republican voters.

Immigration: A Top Concern

A June poll ⁣conducted by the nonpartisan Pew⁣ Research Center revealed that ⁢illegal immigration ‌ranked among ‍the top 10 ⁤concerns for the public. However, it⁣ is an even more significant issue for Republican voters, with immigration outranking every other issue aside from the economy in March.

Republican lawmakers and politicians have placed blame on the Biden administration for ending ‍Trump-era initiatives at the border and inside the country, which they believe triggered the influx of people to the U.S. This surge has proven difficult to control for the past 30 months.

Republican candidates have seized on this ‍matter, each offering ​their own approach to address illegal immigration.

Donald Trump: ⁣A Strong Stance on Immigration

During ‍his four years in ‌office, Donald ⁢Trump took 472 executive actions ‍on ‍immigration, a⁤ record high. While his promise to build a border wall across the 2,000-mile international boundary fell short, Trump remains‍ committed to addressing the border crisis.

Trump aims to “shut down” Biden’s border crisis, ​restore the ‌”Remain in Mexico” ⁤asylum protocols, and ⁢end​ “catch and release.” He plans to ​give state and local police,‌ as well as the National‌ Guard, the ‌authority ‍to deport illegal immigrants, creating the broadest operation the⁢ country has ever‌ seen.

Trump also emphasizes the need to combat drug cartels, particularly in relation to the fentanyl epidemic. He ⁤vows to take down the cartels by imposing a total naval embargo, inflicting maximum⁢ damage, designating ‌them as foreign terrorist organizations, and sanctioning their profits.

Ron DeSantis: Tougher Than Trump?

Florida Governor‍ Ron DeSantis positions himself as tougher than Trump on⁣ immigration. He led the state legislature to pass ​the most comprehensive anti-illegal immigration bill in national history.

DeSantis has⁢ sent state police and military to the Texas border twice to assist federal authorities in apprehending individuals. ‍He has also visited ‌the Arizona border and⁣ made a ‍positive impression on the community ‌with his plan to secure⁣ the border.

Tim Scott: A ‍Focus on Border Security

Senator Tim Scott made his inaugural border visit in late July, witnessing firsthand the impact of mass crossings on border cities. He prioritizes border security and aims⁣ to regain control of ‍the southern border.

Scott’s plan includes returning to the ⁤public health pandemic policy ⁢known as Title 42, deploying more military to the border, and ‍ensuring cities and states cooperate with federal⁤ officers in ⁣making arrests of criminal illegal​ immigrants.

Nikki Haley: A Business-First Approach

Former South⁣ Carolina Governor Nikki Haley proposes a business-first approach to fix outdated immigration protocols. She believes in partnering with‌ businesses ‌to determine immigration needs, focusing on merit, ​and boosting the economy.

Haley calls for increased Border ‌Patrol and ICE personnel, reinstating the Title 42 policy, cutting federal funding for sanctuary cities, and expanding ⁢pathways for legal immigration.

Vivek Ramaswamy: Military Solutions

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy sees the military as ​the primary solution to the​ fentanyl epidemic. He proposes‌ using the military to annihilate Mexican drug ‌cartels and views ⁤fentanyl as⁢ a China problem.

Ramaswamy also advocates for the use of drones to secure the border, withholding federal grants from cities that ‌backtrack on violent ⁤crime prosecutions and⁤ bail laws.

As the first Republican presidential debate‌ approaches, immigration‍ and border security remain critical issues that candidates are eager to address. ‌Each candidate offers ⁢their unique perspective and approach⁢ to tackle‌ these ⁣challenges.