Biden and Trump face-off on immigration and border control
United States President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump each traveled to the United States-Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas on Feb. 29, 2024. While visiting, Biden made a clear effort to try and work alongside Trump on a new immigration bill. Trump, however, seemed uninterested in working together, and has declined Biden’s offer.
This offer from Biden comes after an increased interest in immigration and a recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed Biden’s administration to remove razor wire—a metal wire with sharp edges instated by Texas’ Governor Greg Abbott—from the United States - Mexico border. Regardless of the decision, Abbott has refused to remove the wire. This has led to the president and his executives endeavoring to make further proposals for resolution at the border.
According to NPR, Biden, when directing his statements at Trump said, “We can do it together. You know—and I know—it's the toughest, most efficient, most effective border security bill this country has ever seen. So instead of playing politics with the issue, why don't we just get together and get it done?” Trump responded through his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt who, according to NBC, stated "Instead of shifting the blame on everyone but himself, Joe Biden should take responsibility for the border crisis, deaths, and destruction that his policies have caused… and use his executive power to shut the border down today,”
According to an NBC Poll, Trump is more trusted with immigration and border issues by American citizens, while Biden's ratings are considerably lower. Additionally, Biden is facing disapproval ratings of 58% as Americans have displayed their dissatisfaction with his presidency. These issues, along with Biden's questionable actions regarding immigration, could potentially lead to his loss in the next presidential election. With Trump's recent court cases and scandals, however, it is uncertain who will come out victorious in this year’s race.
Based on these polls, many citizens believe that Biden's administration bill is pointless and immigration will continue to be a prevalent issue in the U.S. Some, on the other hand, have accused former president Donald Trump of purposely extinguishing the bill to keep immigration and himself in the news. When speaking of Biden’s bill, Trump stated, “You give illegals taxpayer-funded lawyers, so they have millions of dollars in this agreement, in this deal, which we by the way killed.” Trump’s control of the Republican party has seemingly been strengthened due to this issue, especially with Mitch McConnell’s surprising retirement announcement on Feb. 29, 2024.
There is much debate on whether or not there is enough border security, but one thing is certain. The outcome of the issues on immigration will differ largely depending on who wins the upcoming election. It could be beneficial to stay updated and informed on border security and the different beliefs of each candidate.