A recent twist of events, House Speaker Mike Johnson has penned a strongly-worded letter to President Biden, putting the blame square on his shoulders for the escalating border crisis. Johnson, in his letter dated December 21, 2023, accuses Biden of creating a catastrophe at the southern border and demands immediate executive measures to curb the surge of migrants.
The letter points fingers at Biden’s policy decisions, particularly the reversal of Trump-era practices that had previously curbed illegal immigration. Johnson highlights the discontinuation of the border wall construction, the reversal of the Remain in Mexico program, and the expanded use of expedited removal for asylum seekers who fail to qualify.
The House Speaker also takes aim at Biden’s implementation of catch-and-release and the liberal use of parole, criticizing these approaches for allowing migrants to enter the U.S. and wait for their immigration hearings.
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Urging Biden to wield his authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Johnson suggests suspending the entry of foreign nationals until the border is secured. Furthermore, he calls for collaboration with Congress to pass H.R.2, the House’s immigration bill, aimed at bolstering border security, reinforcing interior enforcement, and overhauling the legal immigration system.
As the Senate grapples with a stalled border and aid package, marked by partisan clashes over immigration, Johnson stresses the gravity of the situation. The Senate’s failure to reach an agreement on funding for border security, humanitarian aid, and assistance for Ukraine amid Russian aggression has only heightened tensions.
While Senate leaders claim progress on a potential deal, final negotiations are postponed until after the holiday recess. In the meantime, the border crisis intensifies, with Customs and Border Patrol struggling to manage the influx of migrants fleeing violence, poverty, and corruption in their home countries.
Johnson underscores the human tragedy unfolding at the border, emphasizing the risks of human trafficking, drug smuggling, and terrorism. He calls upon Biden to swiftly and decisively restore order and security, emphasizing the president’s moral obligation to protect the nation’s sovereignty and safety.
In a final plea, Johnson reminds Biden of the power and responsibility he holds to end the crisis, concluding, The American people are counting on you to do the right thing.
