US-Mexico Border Insecurity Confirmed by Biden, Prompting Calls for Action
Washington: On Friday, President Joe Biden acknowledged the insecurity of the US-Mexico border, diverging from his Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ previous statements.
During a discussion with bipartisan mayors at the White House East Room, Biden responded negatively when asked about border security, admitting, “No, it’s not.” The 81-year-old President called for “massive changes” in the immigration system and expressed hope for a Senate deal on border issues within the next week, part of a broader $106 billion spending package.
Biden emphasized the need for significant policy adjustments at the border, particularly in the asylum system, to gain necessary control.
He urged House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, to decide whether they are willing to address the problem constructively or exploit it for political gain.
The President’s call for “massive changes” in immigration policy raised questions about the specific alterations that would find consensus among the White House, Senate Democrats, and House Republicans.
The administration’s current policy allows most migrants entering the US illegally to await asylum decisions, facing significant delays. Biden’s decision to end former President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy has contributed to the challenges.
While Mayorkas had previously insisted the border was secure, Biden’s recent acknowledgment signals a shift in the administration’s approach to border control.
