This surge in illegal immigration has put a tremendous strain on border patrol agents and immigration facilities along the southern border. The Biden administration’s decision to reverse many of the policies implemented by the previous administration has created a sense of confusion and uncertainty among both migrants and border patrol officials.
One of the major changes made by the Biden administration was the suspension of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Under this policy, individuals seeking asylum in the United States were required to wait in Mexico until their court hearings. This policy was aimed at discouraging fraudulent asylum claims and reducing the burden on immigration courts.
However, the suspension of MPP has led to a significant increase in the number of asylum seekers at the southern border. Without the requirement to wait in Mexico, migrants are now able to enter the United States and await their court hearings. This has resulted in overcrowded detention facilities and a backlog of asylum cases.
In addition to the suspension of MPP, the Biden administration also halted construction of the border wall, which was intended to deter illegal border crossings. This decision has been met with criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters argue that the wall is an ineffective solution to the issue of illegal immigration, while opponents argue that it sends a message of open borders and encourages more migrants to make the dangerous journey.
Furthermore, the Biden administration has proposed a comprehensive immigration reform bill, known as the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. This bill seeks to provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, as well as address the root causes of migration from Central America. While the bill has yet to be passed by Congress, its introduction has sparked a heated debate over the appropriate approach to immigration policy.
Overall, the Biden administration’s immigration policies have had a significant impact on the southern border. The surge in illegal immigration, overcrowded detention facilities, and backlog of asylum cases are just a few of the challenges that need to be addressed. As the administration continues to navigate this complex issue, finding a balance between compassion and border security will be crucial in shaping the future of immigration policy in the United States.
The Impact on National Security
The influx of illegal immigrants has turned every community into a border community, posing a threat to national security. This crisis has put a strain on resources and has the potential to harm countless American families. House Republicans recognize that border security is crucial for national security and have passed a comprehensive border security bill. However, Senate Democrats have refused to bring it for a vote.
The failure to address the issue of illegal immigration not only undermines the rule of law but also has severe implications for national security. With the porous borders and the unchecked flow of undocumented individuals, it becomes increasingly difficult to track and apprehend potential threats to the country. Terrorist organizations and criminal networks can exploit these vulnerabilities, using the chaos and confusion to infiltrate the country undetected.
Furthermore, the strain on resources caused by the influx of illegal immigrants diverts attention and funding away from other critical areas of national security. Border patrol agents, who are already overwhelmed with the task of securing the border, are forced to spend significant time and resources dealing with the influx of undocumented individuals. This leaves fewer resources available for intelligence gathering, counterterrorism efforts, and other essential security measures.
Additionally, the impact on American families cannot be ignored. The presence of illegal immigrants in communities across the country creates an environment of uncertainty and fear. American citizens worry about the potential for crime, job competition, and the strain on public services. This not only affects the quality of life for these families but also erodes trust in the government’s ability to protect its own citizens.
The House Republicans’ comprehensive border security bill addresses these concerns by providing funding for additional border patrol agents, advanced surveillance technology, and infrastructure improvements. It also includes measures to streamline the immigration process, ensuring that legal immigration is efficient and secure. However, the refusal of Senate Democrats to bring this bill for a vote reflects a lack of commitment to national security and a disregard for the safety and well-being of American citizens.
In conclusion, the impact of illegal immigration on national security cannot be underestimated. It not only poses a direct threat to the safety of American citizens but also hampers the effectiveness of other crucial security measures. The failure to address this crisis in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner puts the country at risk and undermines the very foundation of our national security. It is imperative that lawmakers prioritize border security and work towards finding a solution that protects both the integrity of our borders and the well-being of American families.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Since Biden took office, there have been 8.7 million illegal crossings nationwide, with over 7.2 million of those occurring at the southern border. This number surpasses the population of 36 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
In addition, there have been 1.8 million known “gotaways” who evaded U.S. Border Patrol, further highlighting the challenges faced at the border. These “gotaways” are individuals who manage to cross the border undetected and avoid apprehension. The sheer number of “gotaways” is alarming, as it indicates a significant gap in border security and raises concerns about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.
Since the start of FY 2024, there have been over 1 million illegal immigrant encounters. This includes individuals who were apprehended by Border Patrol agents while attempting to cross the border illegally. The number of encounters has been steadily increasing, with January alone recording 176,205 illegal immigrants encountered at the southern border. This marks the 35th straight month where monthly encounters have exceeded the highest numbers seen under President Trump.
These statistics paint a clear picture of the ongoing crisis at the southern border. The Biden administration’s approach to immigration and border security has been met with significant challenges and an overwhelming number of illegal crossings. The numbers speak for themselves, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and effective border control strategies.
These national security concerns have prompted a closer examination of the potential implications and motives behind the influx of Chinese nationals crossing the southern border. The alarming number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist who have been apprehended raises questions about the possible collaboration between terrorist organizations and the CCP.
Experts have pointed out that the CCP has a long history of engaging in espionage and covert operations to further its global agenda. The border crisis provides a unique opportunity for the CCP to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to the United States. This raises concerns about the potential infiltration of Chinese spies or agents who may be seeking to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, or engage in other activities detrimental to national security.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of Chinese nationals illegally crossing the border is a cause for concern. The Biden administration’s lax immigration policies and lack of effective border control measures have created a favorable environment for these individuals to enter the country undetected. This influx not only poses a national security risk but also puts a strain on resources and infrastructure, further exacerbating the border crisis.
It is essential to understand the motives behind this surge in illegal crossings. The CCP’s interest in gaining access to the United States extends beyond espionage. China has been known to engage in intellectual property theft, economic espionage, and cyber attacks, all of which pose significant threats to national security and the economy.
Given these national security concerns, it is imperative for the Biden administration to take immediate action to address the border crisis. This includes implementing stricter border control measures, enhancing intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and collaborating with international partners to disrupt any potential collaboration between terrorist organizations and the CCP.
The United States cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these national security risks. The implications of allowing unchecked illegal crossings and potential collaboration between terrorist organizations and the CCP are far-reaching and could have severe consequences for the country’s security, economy, and overall well-being.
The Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies
Biden’s far-left open border policies have contributed to this historic crisis. There have been numerous instances where the administration has taken actions that undermine border security, such as halting the construction of the border wall. The decision to end the successful “Remain in Mexico” program further exacerbated the border crisis.
Furthermore, the Biden administration’s release of migrants into the U.S. without proper tracking has resulted in 40% of catch-and-release migrants disappearing. Despite the severity of the crisis, Biden has only visited the southern border once, and his visit was criticized as nothing more than a photo-op.
One of the key aspects of the Biden administration’s immigration policies is their emphasis on humanitarian concerns. They argue that the previous administration’s policies were too harsh and lacked compassion. Biden has sought to reverse many of these policies and create a more welcoming and inclusive approach to immigration.
One of the most controversial decisions made by the Biden administration was the halt in construction of the border wall. Proponents of the wall argue that it is essential for maintaining border security and preventing illegal immigration. However, critics argue that the wall is an ineffective and costly solution that does not address the root causes of migration.
In addition to halting the construction of the border wall, the Biden administration also ended the “Remain in Mexico” program. This program required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were being processed in the United States. Supporters of the program argue that it helped manage the flow of migrants and prevented them from disappearing into the country. However, critics argue that it forced vulnerable individuals to wait in dangerous conditions and violated their rights.
The Biden administration’s approach to immigration also includes a focus on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. They argue that by investing in the region and providing economic and security assistance, they can help create conditions that will reduce the need for people to flee their countries. Critics argue that this approach is too idealistic and that the administration should focus on enforcing immigration laws and securing the border.
Despite the administration’s emphasis on humanitarian concerns, there have been concerns about the handling of migrants at the border. The release of migrants without proper tracking has raised questions about the ability to effectively manage the influx of individuals. Additionally, the high number of individuals who disappear after being released into the country raises concerns about potential security risks.
Overall, the Biden administration’s immigration policies have been met with both praise and criticism. While some argue that they represent a more compassionate and inclusive approach, others believe that they have contributed to a crisis at the border. The long-term effects of these policies remain to be seen, but they will undoubtedly continue to shape the immigration debate in the United States.
The Secure the Border Act of 2023
In response to the crisis, House Republicans introduced the Secure the Border Act of 2023. This legislation aims to address the issues at the southern border by implementing a range of measures that prioritize border security and immigration reform.
- Restarting construction of the border wall: The act proposes resuming the construction of the border wall to fortify physical barriers and deter illegal border crossings. The wall would be strategically built in areas identified as vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
- Deploying technology to both the southern and northern borders: Recognizing the importance of advanced technology in border security, the act calls for the deployment of cutting-edge surveillance systems, including drones, sensors, and cameras, to enhance situational awareness and improve border patrol operations.
- Increasing the number of border patrol agents and providing bonus pay: To augment the manpower at the border, the act seeks to recruit and train additional border patrol agents. It also proposes bonus pay incentives to attract highly skilled individuals and retain experienced agents, ensuring a robust and efficient border enforcement workforce.
- Requiring transparency regarding illegal crossings from the Department of Homeland Security: The act emphasizes the need for transparency by mandating the Department of Homeland Security to regularly report on illegal border crossings, including the number of apprehensions, drug seizures, and human trafficking incidents. This information will enable policymakers to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.
- Strengthening current laws to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking: Recognizing the vulnerability of unaccompanied children at the border, the act proposes strengthening existing laws and implementing stricter measures to combat human trafficking. It aims to provide a safe and secure environment for these children while ensuring their well-being and protection.
- Ending catch and release: The act seeks to end the practice of catch and release, which allows individuals apprehended at the border to be released into the United States while awaiting immigration hearings. Instead, it proposes implementing a more efficient and streamlined process to handle immigration cases, ensuring that individuals who pose a risk to national security or have violated immigration laws are appropriately detained and processed.
- Ending abuse of executive immigration authority: The act aims to prevent the abuse of executive immigration authority by placing checks and balances on the power of the executive branch. It calls for a more transparent and accountable immigration system that adheres to the rule of law and respects the separation of powers.
- Strengthening and streamlining the asylum process: Recognizing the importance of providing protection to those fleeing persecution, the act proposes reforms to the asylum process. It aims to expedite legitimate asylum claims while deterring fraudulent or frivolous applications, ensuring that the system is fair, efficient, and focused on providing refuge to those in genuine need.
It is crucial to address the border crisis to ensure the safety and security of the United States. The Secure the Border Act of 2023 provides a comprehensive approach to tackle the challenges at the southern border and protect the nation. By combining physical barriers, advanced technology, increased manpower, and reforms to the immigration system, this legislation aims to create a more secure and efficient border enforcement system that upholds the rule of law and protects the interests of the American people.
