Staff Reports
President Biden’s recent executive order to limit asylum seekers crossing the southern border has caused a stir among House Democrats. Some have voiced support for the move, while others have accused the president of going back on his word.
The chaos at the U.S./Mexico border has been a contentious issue, with Democrats blaming Republicans for obstructing efforts to secure the border. In February, Senate Republicans thwarted a border bill, prompting Democrats to criticize the GOP for hindering progress on the issue.
Mr. Biden did that, in part, earlier this week with his executive order that would shut down the border whenever there is an average of more than 2,500 daily encounters with illegal immigrants at the southern border. https://t.co/HTfQcKHlpW
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) June 6, 2024
President Biden’s executive order aims to address the surge of illegal immigration by implementing a policy to shut down the border when the average daily encounters with illegal immigrants surpass 2,500. The closure would remain in effect until the number of illegal encounters drops below 1,500 for at least a week.
Following the announcement of the executive order, divisions within the House Democratic Conference have come to light. While some, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed support for President Biden’s actions, others, such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal, have criticized the move, likening it to the tactics of former President Donald Trump.
Criticism of the executive action has also come from members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus, who argue that a more nuanced approach is needed to avoid harming migrants fleeing violence or persecution.
On the Republican side, House Speaker Mike Johnson has dismissed the executive order as mere “window dressing” and criticized its effectiveness in addressing border issues. However, some Democrats have placed blame on Republicans for impeding progress on the border, pointing to their rejection of the Senate’s border bill during the previous administration.
The debate over the executive order reflects growing tensions within the House Democratic Conference and highlights differing perspectives on how to address the challenges at the southern border.
