President Biden has recently made two major decisions regarding immigration in the United States. The first is expanding legal protections for undocumented spouses of American citizens, allowing them to stay in the country. The second decision seals the border to most asylum seekers, who will have to wait for protection from poverty and persecution. This “border-in vs. border-out” approach reflects Mr. Biden’s attempt to navigate the polarizing issue of immigration in the 2024 campaign.
Polls have shown that American voters see the situation at the southern border as a problem, with more tending to trust former President Trump to handle it than Mr. Biden. Democrats hope that Biden’s recent actions will help neutralize the issue, as there is a distinction seen between long term, undocumented immigrants already in the country and new arrivals seeking entry. The goal is to support immigrants who have been living and working in the United States for years while keeping the border shut to those trying to get in.
Mr. Biden’s new policies aim to appeal to Hispanic voters, who want to see both tougher enforcement and better pathways to citizenship. The White House previously tried to work with Congress on immigration to establish a pathway to citizenship for roughly 11 million immigrants. However, Republican opposition prevented these bills from passing, leaving Mr. Biden to navigate tricky politics and find a balance between securing the border and protecting undocumented immigrants.
President Trump, known for his tough stance on immigration, has encouraged Republicans not to pass Mr. Biden’s immigration policies. The recent restrictions on asylum are part of an effort by Mr. Biden to secure the border and prevent mass migration to the U.S. While some have criticized his approach to asylum, others have praised his efforts to protect the undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation.
Mr. Biden’s balancing act on immigration policies echoes similar strategies employed by former President Obama during his tenure. Obama paired tough enforcement policies with more generous ones, such as the DACA program, which protected young immigrants from deportation. Advocates have expressed concern for those outside of U.S. borders, emphasizing the fundamental human right of access to the asylum system.
As President Biden prepares for a debate with Mr. Trump later this month, he plans to emphasize his approach of deterring new arrivals while keeping families in the United States together. The success of his immigration policies and the effectiveness of his messaging to American voters remain to be seen as the 2024 campaign continues to address the complex issue of immigration.
