Record Numbers of Migrant Encounters at Southern Border
During a discussion on the migrant crisis, the United States and Mexico explored the potential benefits of regularizing the status of undocumented immigrants who have been living in the US for years, including those protected by the DACA program. The meeting between the delegations also highlighted the vital role of Hispanic migrants and DACA beneficiaries in the US economy and society. Both countries plan to reconvene in January to further address the issue.
House Republicans Express Anger Over Amnesty Talks
The inclusion of statements regarding amnesty for illegal immigrants during a month of record-breaking encounters at the southern border has sparked immediate anger from House Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., criticized the Biden administration’s focus on amnesty, stating that the United States should prioritize policies that discourage illegal immigration. He urged President Biden to take immediate action to address the border crisis and protect national security and sovereignty.
Biden Administration’s Desire to Grant Legal Status to Millions of Illegal Immigrants
The Biden administration has been open about its intention to provide legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants. On his first day in office, President Biden introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill that included an eight-year path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. The bill also aimed to grant immediate green cards to immigrant farmworkers, TPS recipients, and DACA recipients. Despite the ongoing border crisis, the administration continues to support this legislation as a solution to the “broken” immigration system.
Increasing Population of Illegal Immigrants
Under the Biden administration, the population of illegal immigrants has surged. A recent report from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that the number of illegal immigrants on the non-detained docket has risen dramatically. This increase in the undocumented population may make any form of amnesty less appealing to Republicans compared to previous years.
Democrats Share Similar Goals of Granting Citizenship
Many Democrats share the Biden administration’s objectives of establishing a pathway to citizenship for those who entered the country illegally. Both the House and the Senate have proposed amnesties, with some lawmakers insisting that any changes to the asylum system should be accompanied by legalization for undocumented immigrants. Democrats argue that modernizing the immigration system and securing the border require providing lawful pathways for migration and legalizing long-standing undocumented immigrants who contribute to American communities.
Historic Migrant Crisis Continues
The United States continues to grapple with a historic migrant crisis at the southern border. December alone has seen a record-breaking 286,000 migrant encounters, surpassing previous monthly records. In the fiscal year 2023, there were a staggering 2.4 million migrant encounters. The situation at the border remains a pressing concern for both the US and Mexico.
Source: Fox News. (Contributed by Griff Jenkins)