When President Biden announced his intention to finally visit the U.S.-Mexico border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted that the unprecedented surge of undocumented migrants crossing the Southwest border is “straining the system,” in a video interview with The Washington Post. To which we all say, ‘no sh*t’.
Mayorkas also said that the Biden administration is “managing” the encounters, but acknowledged that the current immigration system is “fundamentally broken” and in need of a long overdue solution.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton responded to Mayorkas on Thursday morning, accusing the Biden administration of “sabotaging” border security. Paxton said that under the Trump administration, the number of illegal immigrants crossing and the amount of crime associated with it was significantly lower than it is now.
Paxton also said that until the Biden administration can figure out how to manage the border correctly, he would not approve any additional funding.
The reality of the situation is that illegal immigration has skyrocketed since Biden took office in January 2021. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 233,740 people were encountered crossing into the U.S. in November, the third highest monthly number on record. This is a significant increase compared to the previous months, and is likely to continue increasing unless the Biden administration can find a way to effectively manage the situation.
It is clear that the current immigration system is failing to meet the needs of those crossing the border. The Biden administration must find a way to provide humane and efficient solutions for those seeking asylum, while also doing what is necessary to protect the security of the United States.
It’s sad that Biden dismantled the previous system which led to this mess. Especially since, unlike previous security systems, Trump’s was actually working.
There is a lot of disagreement about the best way forward when it comes to immigration reform, and it is unlikely that any drastic changes will be implemented in the near future under the current administration. It would mean that Biden would have to care about the strain he has caused, first.
