Biden’s Hard-Line Effort to Close the Border
6Digest
President Biden has announced a new immigration policy that suspends asylum for migrants who cross the southern border unlawfully, marking one of the most restrictive immigration policies by a Democratic president in decades. This policy, which went into effect on June 11th, is a response to the surging number of crossings at the border, which has become a major political liability for Biden. The policy is designed to deter migrants from crossing the border illegally and to send a message to voters that Biden is taking action on immigration. However, the policy has been met with criticism from both progressives and Republicans, who argue that it is too harsh and that it will not be effective in addressing the root causes of migration. The policy is also likely to face legal challenges, as it mirrors a similar policy implemented by former President Trump that was blocked by the courts. The policy's impact on the number of asylum seekers in the US remains to be seen, but it is clear that the politics of immigration in America have shifted to the right, with both parties increasingly prioritizing enforcement over compassion.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of President Biden's new immigration policy and the context surrounding it. It highlights the increasing number of migrants crossing the southern border and the political pressure Biden has faced to address this issue.
Biden's New Immigration Policy
This Chapter delves into the details of Biden's new immigration policy, which suspends asylum for migrants who cross the border unlawfully. It explains the policy's mechanics, its potential impact on asylum seekers, and the logistical challenges of implementing it.
Political Implications of the Policy
This Chapter explores the political motivations behind Biden's policy, highlighting its potential to appease voters concerned about immigration and to counter Republican attacks on the issue. It also discusses the potential risks associated with this move, including the possibility of alienating progressive Democrats and facing legal challenges.
Other News
This Chapter provides a brief overview of other news stories, including the results of the European Parliament elections, the dissolution of France's lower house of Parliament, and a recording of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito making controversial remarks about religion and politics.
Keywords
Immigration
The movement of people into another country to live permanently. It is a complex issue with many factors, including economic opportunity, political instability, and family reunification. Immigration policies vary widely from country to country, and can be a source of significant political debate.
Asylum
The protection granted by a country to a person who has fled their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Asylum seekers are individuals who have applied for asylum and are awaiting a decision on their application. The right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right recognized by international law.
Southern Border
The border between the United States and Mexico, which stretches for over 1,900 miles. It is a major point of entry for migrants seeking to enter the United States, and has been the subject of intense political debate for decades. The border is heavily patrolled by the U.S. Border Patrol, and is the site of numerous border crossings, both legal and illegal.
President Biden
The 46th president of the United States, who took office in January 2021. Biden has made immigration a key issue of his presidency, and has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum for his handling of the issue. His new immigration policy, which suspends asylum for migrants crossing the southern border unlawfully, is a significant departure from his previous approach to immigration.
Donald Trump
The 45th president of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021. Trump made immigration a central issue of his presidency, and implemented a number of controversial policies, including a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries and a policy of separating families at the border. Trump's policies were widely criticized by immigration advocates and human rights groups, and were challenged in court.
European Parliament
The legislative branch of the European Union, composed of 705 members elected by citizens of the EU member states. The Parliament shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union, and has the power to approve the EU budget and to appoint the European Commission. The Parliament is also responsible for overseeing the work of the EU institutions.
Emmanuel Macron
The current president of France, who has been in office since 2017. Macron is a centrist politician who has sought to modernize France and to strengthen its role in the European Union. He has faced criticism from both the left and the right for his policies, and has been challenged by the far-right party of Marine Le Pen.
Marine Le Pen
The leader of the far-right National Rally party in France, which has gained significant support in recent years. Le Pen is a controversial figure who has been criticized for her views on immigration, Islam, and the European Union. She has run for president of France three times, and has been a vocal critic of Macron's policies.
Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States, composed of nine justices appointed for life. The Supreme Court has the power to review laws passed by Congress and by state legislatures, and to strike down laws that it deems unconstitutional. The Court's decisions have a profound impact on American society, and its composition is a matter of intense political debate.
Samuel Alito
An associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, who was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006. Alito is a conservative jurist who has been a vocal critic of abortion rights and affirmative action. He has also been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Q&A
What is President Biden's new immigration policy?
President Biden's new immigration policy suspends asylum for migrants who cross the southern border unlawfully. This means that migrants who cross the border illegally will no longer be able to apply for asylum in the United States, even if they have a legitimate claim to asylum.
Why did Biden implement this new policy?
Biden implemented this new policy in response to the surging number of migrants crossing the southern border, which has become a major political liability for him. The policy is designed to deter migrants from crossing the border illegally and to send a message to voters that Biden is taking action on immigration.
What are the potential consequences of this policy?
The potential consequences of this policy are significant. It could deter migrants from seeking asylum in the United States, but it could also lead to a backlog of asylum cases and a more restrictive immigration system overall. The policy is also likely to face legal challenges, as it mirrors a similar policy implemented by former President Trump that was blocked by the courts.
How have Democrats responded to this policy?
Democrats have responded to this policy with mixed reactions. Some progressives have criticized the policy as being too harsh and as abandoning the values of the United States. Other Democrats, including more moderate Democrats, have supported the policy, arguing that it is necessary to address the crisis at the border.
How have Republicans responded to this policy?
Republicans have largely praised the policy, arguing that it is a step in the right direction to address the crisis at the border. However, some Republicans have argued that the policy does not go far enough and that Biden should implement even more restrictive measures.
What is the future of this policy?
The future of this policy is uncertain. It is likely to face legal challenges, and it is unclear whether it will be effective in deterring migrants from crossing the border illegally. The policy is also likely to be a major issue in the 2024 presidential election, as both parties are increasingly focused on immigration.
What are the broader implications of this policy?
The broader implications of this policy are significant. It represents a shift in the politics of immigration in the United States, with both parties increasingly prioritizing enforcement over compassion. It also raises questions about the future of asylum in the United States and the role of the United States in providing refuge to those fleeing persecution.
What are the potential alternatives to this policy?
Potential alternatives to this policy include increasing funding for border security, addressing the root causes of migration, and creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. However, these alternatives are politically challenging and are unlikely to be implemented in the near future.
What is the role of the media in covering this issue?
The media plays a crucial role in covering this issue, as it can shape public opinion and influence policy decisions. It is important for the media to provide accurate and unbiased coverage of the issue, and to avoid sensationalism or bias.
What is the role of the public in this issue?
The public plays a crucial role in this issue, as it is ultimately the voters who will decide the future of immigration policy in the United States. It is important for the public to be informed about the issue and to engage in constructive dialogue about potential solutions.
Show Notes
Last week, President Biden announced one of the most restrictive immigration policies by a Democratic incumbent in decades, effectively barring migrants crossing the southern border from seeking asylum in the United States.
Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House correspondent for The Times, explains the thinking behind the move.
Guest: Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House correspondent for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Biden’s executive order is an eye-catching election-year move intended to ease pressure on the immigration system and address a major concern among voters.
- Watch a short video detailing the key facts behind the immigration order.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Table of contents
United States
