Biden Vows to Close US-Mexico Border with Congressional Authorization
Biden Announces Plan to Close US-Mexico Border Amid Border Crisis
During a campaign event in South Carolina, President Joe Biden addressed the ongoing border security issue and announced his intention to immediately close the US-Mexico border if a proposed border security bill is approved by Congress.
Biden emphasized the importance of a bipartisan bill to address the broken immigration system and provide rapid access to those who deserve to be in the country. He stated that the bill would give him emergency authority to close the border until it is under control again, emphasizing that if the bill were to become law today, he would close the border immediately and work to fix it.
The bill submitted by the Biden administration to Congress would give the President the authority to close the border if the number of irregular immigrants crossing the border exceeds 5,000 per day. Additionally, it includes an emergency aid package of $110 billion, with $14 billion designated for the creation of new patrol forces and equipment to address the influx of irregular immigrants.
Republican opposition to the aid package, particularly the military aid item to Ukraine, has been a point of contention. Meanwhile, US Border Patrol officials reported a significant increase in the number of irregular immigrants detained at the border, with nearly 250,000 apprehensions in the previous month alone.
December saw a surge in the number of irregular immigrants crossing the border, with Mexicans comprising the majority, followed by Venezuelan immigrants. The escalating dispute between the Biden administration and Republican Texas Governor Gregg Abbott over the placement of barbed wire along the border has added to the border security crisis.
The conflict intensified following a decision by the US Supreme Court to remove the barbed wire placed by Texas along the Rio Grande River. Despite the court order, the Texas National Guard continued to place barbed wire, prompting the governors of 25 Republican states to express their support for Texas in a joint statement.
Amid the deepening border crisis, President Biden’s announcement of his plan to close the border reflects the urgency of the situation and the need for bipartisan action to address the immigration system and enhance border security.
