Migrants waiting to cross the southern border into the US express a desire for President Biden to win re-election in November, fearing that they would not be allowed into the country if former President Trump regains power. This sentiment is echoed by individuals such as pipe fitter Richard Betancourt and Alejandra Falcon, who have traveled long distances to reach the border and are concerned about their chances of entry under a Trump administration. The uncertainty surrounding future immigration policies has created anxiety among those waiting to cross the border in Matamoros, Mexico.
During Trump’s term as president, efforts to tackle immigration included reducing the number of refugees receiving green cards and visas and attempting to build a border wall. Despite these measures, his administration deported fewer undocumented migrants than the previous Obama administration. Illegal border crossings surged following Trump’s departure from office, reaching record highs in 2022. The influx of migrants has now exceeded 7.3 million since Biden took office, raising concerns about the strain on resources and security at the border.
Biden initially promised to rescind Title 42, which allowed for the turning away of migrants at the border. Instead, migrants can now enter the US by claiming a “credible fear” of returning to their home countries and receiving court appearance tickets. This process has resulted in delays in legal proceedings for many migrants, allowing them to remain in the country and move freely, posing challenges for immigration enforcement. Trump has criticized Biden’s handling of the border situation, emphasizing the increase in crimes committed by migrants in major cities and garnering disapproval from a majority of voters.
In an attempt to address concerns and potentially win back voters, Biden announced plans to “shut down the border” in January until the situation could be brought under control. This move was aimed at securing bipartisan support for a Senate spending bill that included funding for border security. However, the bill faced opposition and failed in the Senate, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over the handling of the border issue in the run-up to the November elections. Biden’s campaign manager clarified that the president is not advocating for shutting down the border, in response to conflicting reports regarding this strategy.
The Biden administration’s approach to the border crisis remains a topic of contention and scrutiny, as questions arise about the effectiveness of current policies and the impact on immigration enforcement. Concerns about the number of migrants committing crimes in the US have further fueled debates about border security and control. While Biden’s team seeks to address these challenges and reassure the public, critics continue to question the administration’s strategies and decision-making regarding immigration. As the situation at the border evolves, the outcomes of these policies and actions will play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing future election outcomes.
