President Biden’s recent executive order banning migrants who cross the border illegally from claiming asylum marks a significant policy reversal and exposes a glaring hypocrisy in his stance on immigration.
The timing of this executive order is no coincidence. Facing criticism over his handling of the border crisis, Biden’s administration is under immense pressure to demonstrate control over the border. The chaos at the border, exacerbated by Biden administration repeal of Trump-era policies, has left the administration scrambling for fixes. The influx of migrants has strained resources and fueled a border out of control. By implementing this measure, Biden aims to project a tougher stance on immigration, months before an election and hoping to quell the growing dissatisfaction among voters.
This policy shift raises serious questions about the President’s real commitment to the values he professed during his campaign and early presidency. Biden campaigned on a promise of a so-called humane and just immigration system, starkly contrasting with the hardline policies of President Trump. His administration’s initial moves, including halting the construction of the border wall and reversing the highly successful “Remain in Mexico” policy. His reversal of Trump immigration policies was celebrated by advocates of open borders and unrestricted immigration. Yet, the new asylum ban appears to undermine these efforts, suggesting a prioritization of political expediency.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already signaled its intention to sue the BIden administration, arguing that the executive order violates both domestic and international laws that guarantee the right to seek asylum. The ACLU’s legal challenge reflects a unique political calculation by Biden: acting tough on the border and waiting until left leaning groups could sue and ensuring the executive order does not go into effect.
President Biden’s asylum is another calculated move to salvage his administration’s standing on the border issue before an election and on an issue, he is losing on according to poll after poll.
