Biden Plans Trump-Style Shutdown of the Border
President Joe Biden is contemplating adopting a strategy reminiscent of Donald Trump's approach by potentially issuing executive action by the end of April to significantly reduce the number of asylum seekers allowed to enter the southern border.
The move signifies a shift in Biden's approach to border policies, aiming to convey a strong message ahead of the upcoming election that his administration takes illegal immigration seriously, a topic that has faced criticism for being overlooked.
“We’re examining whether or not I have that power,” Biden stated during an interview with Univision’s Enrique Acevedo, aired on Tuesday. “Some are suggesting that I should just go ahead and try it. And if I get shut down by the court, I get shut down by the court.”
The administration's consideration of such action comes amidst record-high levels of illegal immigration at the southern border during Biden's tenure.
Biden now claims he can't take executive action to secure the border because courts might rule against him (which didn't stop him when he unilaterally canceled student loan debt — or when he opened the border via executive order) pic.twitter.com/JD704qaJfU
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 10, 2024
While addressing concerns about the legality and potential political ramifications of this move, Biden expressed uncertainty, acknowledging that there is ‘no guarantee’ he has the authority to take unilateral action on border restrictions without congressional legislation.
The potential order, expected by the end of the month according to Axios, follows rising voter dissatisfaction over the border crisis.
Former President Trump criticized Biden's impending move, describing it as insufficient and accusing Biden of implementing policies that exacerbate the border situation.
“For 3 years, Crooked Joe Biden has flooded our Country with tens of millions of Illegal Aliens, while insisting he could do nothing to stop it,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Do NOT be fooled by any phony Biden Executive Order.”
Biden is exploring the use of authority granted in Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a provision that allows presidents to block entry of certain immigrants if it's deemed ‘detrimental’ to national interests, a strategy Trump also utilized during his presidency.