Biden Plots Next Steps Says Report
Washington – After weeks of speculation, it appears that the Biden administration’s plans for executive actions to address migration at the southern border may be placed on the back burner for now. Immigration advocates who were previously engaged with the administration about these potential moves say they no longer seem imminent. While administration officials are continuing to discuss potential new measures, there does not appear to be a sense of urgency like there was earlier this year.
One factor in the administration’s change of tone is the decline in migration numbers following a record-breaking number of illegal crossings in December. White House aides are also mindful of the potential legal challenges these moves could face, as well as the backlash it could receive from immigration advocates and Democratic allies. Additionally, recent events such as Republicans’ rejection of a bipartisan border deal and the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have helped defuse some of the political pressure on President Biden.
However, the administration remains aware of the volatility of the issue and the likelihood that border crossings will increase as the weather warms. While Biden has not taken the anticipated executive actions, he has continued to call on Congress to make changes to immigration laws, stating that there are enough bipartisan votes to get a bill passed. Yet, there is little evidence that congressional Republicans are willing to reengage in discussions around the issue.
Some White House officials cite the recent passing of the $1.9 trillion spending package, which included provisions for increased detention capacity, border patrol agents, and technology, as an example of the administration’s attempts to address the issue through legislation. However, immigration advocates have pointed out that these actions do not address the root causes of migration and do not provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented people.
As the administration weighs its options, they are also mindful of the potential backlash from both sides. Reports that the White House was considering using a similar tactic to the Trump administration, which faced significant pushback, have sparked resistance from within and concerns among progressives and advocacy groups.
The potential for this executive action to face legal challenges has also caused some frustration for the president and his team. However, as the election approaches, the administration is balancing the need to take action with the potential political consequences. They are also considering ways to soften the blow and provide support for state and local officials who are managing the influx of new arrivals.
One idea being floated among administration officials is opening access to the cancellation of removal program for undocumented individuals who have lived in the U.S. for over 10 years and have citizen or resident relatives. This program would provide a pathway to a green card for those who meet specific requirements and are approved by an immigration judge.
While some immigration advocates may be hopeful that the administration will ultimately abandon their plans to restrict asylum, the expectation remains that they will take action once a new surge of migrants complicates the situation for the president.
“I do think that in a heartbeat, if they felt like they needed to do something because of the images of too many people coming or whatever they were afraid of, they would do it,” one of the sources familiar with the administration’s planning stated.
As the administration continues to weigh its options and assess the ever-changing situation at the border, the issue of immigration remains a delicate and complex one. While they may have bought some time with recent events, it is clear that the pressure to act remains. Congress will need to come together and find common ground to address the root causes of migration and provide a comprehensive solution to this ongoing issue.