Progressives are voicing strong opposition to President Joe Biden’s potential use of executive authority to restrict migrants’ ability to seek asylum if they cross the southern border illegally.
The debate highlights the challenging balance Biden must strike on the border issue, especially as he navigates the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
While Biden has not yet made a decision on executive action, reports suggest he is considering measures similar to those used by former President Donald Trump to address the surge in migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Biden (Credits: Los Angeles Times)
This includes potentially invoking Section 212(f) of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to limit asylum claims for those who enter the country illegally.
Progressive leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are pushing back against this approach, arguing that seeking asylum is a legal right that should not be compromised.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need to uphold principles even in the face of challenges, criticizing any suggestion of mimicking Trump’s policies as “outrageous.”
Critics of Biden’s potential actions, including Amnesty International USA’s Amy Fischer, argue that such measures would violate both U.S. and international law, which guarantee the right to seek asylum.
Fischer expressed concern that Biden’s approach could create fear and suffering among vulnerable communities, pushing them to abandon their right to seek safety in the U.S.
The debate underscores the complexities of the border crisis and the challenges Biden faces in addressing it. While Biden has adopted a tougher stance on the border, positioning himself more aggressively on the issue, he risks alienating progressive voters and immigration advocates who prioritize humane and inclusive policies.
As Biden weighs his options, the debate over border policies is likely to intensify, highlighting the difficult choices and political calculations involved in addressing one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
