Staff Reports
This week, the chaos at the border has escalated, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to call on President Biden to take immediate action rather than waiting for Senate involvement. Johnson highlighted the GOP-controlled House's passage of a comprehensive border overhaul six months ago, asserting that the Democrat-led Senate has hindered progress. He stressed that the unchecked border has resulted in tragic consequences for both migrants and American citizens.
Johnson recommended a return to Trump-era policies as potential solutions, including reducing the use of "parole" for catch-and-release, reinstating agreements with other countries for asylum provisions, and resuming border wall construction. He underscored that these policies, coupled with pandemic-related border expulsion powers, contributed to the least chaotic border during Trump's tenure in nearly 50 years.
‘Unspeakable human tragedy’: Speaker Johnson blasts Biden over delay in border securityhttps://t.co/6Hd9vP0Ltq pic.twitter.com/fk1CIYfWN3
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 22, 2023
In response, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attempted to downplay the situation, attributing the increased border activity to normal ebbs and flows. However, Johnson and fellow Republicans are skeptical, foreseeing challenges for Biden and his national security spending bill.
Despite ongoing negotiations with GOP senators, Johnson argued that the urgency of the southern border crisis requires immediate action from Biden. While talks have explored limits to asylum and increased deportation capacity, Johnson believes these measures are insufficient compared to the House's plans from May. Nevertheless, Biden faces criticism from the left, as immigration activists and Hispanic rights groups caution against any deal that restricts asylum claims, expressing concern about potential backlash from young and minority voters.
