Staff Reports
Over 15 Democratic members of the House of Representatives, hailing from states like Minnesota, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, have penned a letter to President Biden, urging him to take swift action to address the issues at the southern border with Mexico. These lawmakers are facing tough reelection battles in districts where immigration is a hot-button issue.
The Democratic representatives assert that the border situation is impacting all of their constituents, regardless of their congressional district. President Biden’s handling of the border has become a point of concern for these lawmakers, as well as for voters in key battleground states.
Over a dozen vulnerable House Democrats this election cycle wrote President Biden to take executive action on the southern border with Mexico. https://t.co/UNYlCoE7Hy
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 8, 2024
The White House has defended its approach to immigration, highlighting a bipartisan Senate border legislation that was rejected by House Republican lawmakers due to its perceived weaknesses in border security measures. The Biden administration accused congressional Republicans of prioritizing partisan politics over national security.
In their letter, spearheaded by Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, the Democratic lawmakers referenced a bill from February that was thwarted by Republicans, which they claim would have led to a surge of 5,000 undocumented immigrants entering the country daily. They are calling on President Biden to utilize his executive authority to address border security and combat illicit activities like fentanyl trafficking.
The House recently passed a measure introduced by the GOP, criticizing the Biden administration’s immigration policies, with some Democratic lawmakers, including those who signed the letter to President Biden, breaking ranks to support the resolution.
As the November elections approach, both Democrats and Republicans are making concerted efforts to solidify their positions in the House of Representatives. The polarizing issue of immigration and border security is likely to play a significant role in shaping the electoral outcome.
The debate over the border and immigration remains a key concern for many voters, as indicated by recent polling in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, underscoring the importance of this issue as the midterm elections loom ahead.
