The president is facing criticism from conservatives on immigration, which is putting his reelection at risk. House Republicans have initiated impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of causing a “crisis” at the border. Members of the Freedom Caucus are also threatening a government shutdown unless new immigration enforcement measures are added to the general spending bill. Both Republicans and Democrats are framing the immigration issue as a crisis, with mayors of blue cities blaming budget cuts on efforts to house asylum seekers. Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s busing scheme, which overwhelmed Democratic leaders, has turned the illusion of chaos into reality.
Although there are limits to what the White House can do without congressional approval, there are still actions that President Biden could take to address the immigration issue. The federal government could ensure that asylum seekers are placed in locations where they can find support networks and housing, instead of letting Texas dictate their destinations. Establishing a Center for Migrant Coordination within the Department of Homeland Security could streamline the process of relocating migrants and take control away from politicians who are using busing as a political weapon. Republicans would likely criticize a coordinated federal response, but they have been sounding the alarm about a migrant crisis since Biden took office.
The article suggests that Biden has been attempting to appease his critics on the right but has failed to realize that Republicans will always claim there is a crisis at the border, regardless of his actions. By ceding ground on immigration, Biden is alienating his own allies and potentially jeopardizing his chances of winning reelection in 2024. The administration should have lifted the public health provision that Trump used to shut down asylum at the border and coordinated with local leaders when Abbott began his busing program. Instead, Biden has granted Republicans a victory by continuing to cede ground on immigration.
