Joe Biden has the power to swiftly solve the migrant crisis
In setting the table for his State of the Union address on Thursday evening, President Biden referenced Franklin Roosevelt’s memory. However, despite exceeding expectations for his performance, Biden missed a significant opportunity to address the key issue of immigration, despite an 80% public disapproval rate on the issue. Instead of taking action, he resorted to blaming the GOP and is expected to issue a half-hearted executive order next week, which is unlikely to be effective.
Many of the President’s challenges can be attributed to his alignment with the hard left. For instance, his mishandled withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, opposed by most senior military advisors, and the $1.9 trillion stimulus in March 2021, have contributed to the current economic and political turmoil. Biden’s shift towards a more leftist perspective on immigration, moving away from his previous stance, has further alienated voters and caused a rift within his coalition.
Previously, Biden held different views on immigration, advocating for English-language requirements and strict entry limits. However, he succumbed to pressure from leftist activists and campaign organizers, leading to a shift in his policies. The open borders approach has proven to be highly unpopular among voters, including working-class individuals who bear the brunt of its consequences.
President Biden’s failure to address the immigration crisis has been a major point of contention, with approximately eight million illegal migrant crossings occurring during his term. While blaming the GOP for the lack of legislation, Biden has the authority to take action through executive orders, as his predecessors have done before. However, his reluctance to act decisively has further exacerbated the issue.
By attempting to please the hard left, the Biden administration has neglected crucial aspects of immigration enforcement, leading to a myriad of problems such as increased influx of migrants, drug trafficking, and strained resources in cities. A shift towards a more central and pragmatic approach, similar to what President Clinton did in the past, could help address these issues.
President Clinton understood the importance of appealing to the center rather than pandering to the far left. Biden’s focus on progressive policies has alienated many voters and eroded public trust in his administration. A significant shift towards center on immigration could help him regain credibility and potentially improve his chances for re-election.
Julian Epstein is the former Democratic Chief Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee.
