Mike Johnson calls on Biden to address southern border crisis as Senate talks stall
Speaker Urges President Biden to Take Action on Southern Border Crisis
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is calling on President Joe Biden to address the surge of illegal immigration at the southern border through executive action. As negotiations continue in the Senate, Johnson is urging Biden to reinstate several Trump-era policies to tackle the issue.
Reinstating Asylum Policies
In a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner, Johnson specifically asks Biden to bring back previous asylum policies, including the Remain in Mexico program. This program, implemented under former President Donald Trump, required asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were pending.
Expediting Removal of Illegal Immigrants
Johnson also emphasizes the need to expedite the removal of illegal immigrants who cannot demonstrate asylum eligibility. He highlights the devastating consequences of the wide-open border, both for migrants and American citizens.
Johnson’s plea for immediate action is supported by the alarming statistics of 2.48 million illegal immigrants encountered by Customs and Border Patrol in the fiscal year 2023, including 670,000 “got-a-ways” who entered the country illegally without being apprehended. To address this, Johnson urges Biden to reinstate other Trump-era policies, such as resuming border wall construction and ending ”catch-and-release” practices.
The Senate recently adjourned for the holiday recess without reaching an agreement on a border framework. However, negotiations between Senate and White House negotiators are ongoing, with hopes of including border policy changes in a deal on Ukraine funding. These discussions will continue over the break until a framework is reached.
Republicans have made it clear that they will not support additional aid to Ukraine without substantial policy reforms. Johnson criticizes Senate Democrats for failing to act on the House GOP-led border package passed earlier this year.
Immediate Action Required
Johnson emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that statutory reforms to restore operational control at the southern border must be enacted. He calls on Biden to take significant action without delay, as the crisis has reached a critical point.
It is unlikely that the Democratic-led Senate would pass the House GOP’s border bill without significant changes. Furthermore, Biden has previously threatened to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk. The response from the White House to Johnson’s letter is still awaited.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What are the potential benefits of enhancing border patrol efforts and constructing physical barriers to address the influx of illegal immigrants?
The removal of illegal immigrants. He suggests reinstating the policy of expedited removal, which allows immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who have recently entered the country illegally. This policy proved to be effective in deterring illegal immigration during the Trump administration, and Johnson claims it will help address the current crisis at the southern border.
Securing the Border
To address the continuing influx of illegal immigrants, Johnson urges President Biden to prioritize border security. He proposes allocating additional resources and manpower to enhance border patrol efforts, including the construction of physical barriers where necessary. Johnson argues that a secure border is crucial not only for national security but also for the well-being of border communities affected by illegal immigration.
Ending Catch and Release Policies
Furthermore, the Speaker condemns the practice of catch and release, which allows individuals apprehended for illegal entry to be released into the country pending a court hearing. Johnson points out that this policy not only undermines the rule of law but also encourages further illegal entry. He urges President Biden to reconsider this approach and instead implement policies that ensure individuals caught crossing the border illegally are promptly processed, detained if necessary, and adjudicated according to the law.
Collaborating with Mexico and Central American Countries
Lastly, Johnson highlights the importance of cooperative efforts with Mexico and Central American countries to address the root causes of illegal immigration. He suggests working with these nations to improve economic opportunities, enhance security measures, and combat corruption. By addressing the factors driving migration, Johnson believes the United States can effectively reduce the influx of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border.
As the southern border crisis continues to escalate, Speaker Mike Johnson urges President Biden to take immediate action through executive measures to address the issue. By reinstating asylum policies, expediting removal processes, securing the border, ending catch and release practices, and collaborating with Mexico and Central American countries, Johnson believes the administration can effectively tackle the surge of illegal immigration. It is crucial for the Biden administration to respond promptly and decisively to ensure the security and well-being of the nation and its citizens.
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