Vantage | Why America's border policy may decide which way it votes

As the United States enters an election year, reflections on President Joe Biden’s tenure naturally arise. Amidst a myriad of policy areas, one issue stands out prominently: the state of the US-Mexico border.

The surge in migrant detentions at the US-Mexico border serves as a stark indicator of the intensifying crisis. Comparing statistics from the Trump administration to Biden’s reveals a staggering increase, with 2.5 million detentions reported last year alone. Root causes and contributing factors Several factors contribute to the surge in border crossings. The pent-up demand resulting from pandemic-induced restrictions, coupled with uncertainty regarding Biden’s re-election and the potential completion of Trump’s border wall, has prompted a rush of migrants seeking entry before policy dynamics shift. Despite mounting pressure and criticism, Biden’s response has been perceived as lacking urgency. Vice President Kamala Harris’s message to potential migrants—urging them not to come—was met with scepticism, as evidenced by the continued influx of individuals seeking entry. “I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border. Do not come. Do not come,” said Harris. Political fallout and democratic dissent The border crisis has not only eroded public confidence but has also strained relations within Biden’s own party. A letter penned by Democratic mayors from major cities underscores the severity of the situation, demanding improved border policies to alleviate the strain on local resources. Biden’s proposed immigration reform bill, earmarking $20 billion for border security, aims to expedite asylum cases, enhance deportation capabilities and implement a border shutdown clause. However, the bill faces staunch opposition from Republican hardliners, jeopardising its passage through Congress. Critics argue that Biden’s delayed response to border challenges reflects a failure to proactively address the issue during his tenure. The attempted impeachment of Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas highlights the extent of dissatisfaction within Republican ranks. “So, the position of ‘we are going to close the borders’ is very demagogic. For example, I have a lot of respect for President Biden, he has conducted himself very well, so did President Trump before, he was very respectful of us, we understand the circumstances but imagine closing the border,” said Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Biden’s electoral strategy In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Biden intends to leverage the border crisis as a focal point of his campaign, positioning himself as a champion against Trump’s immigration policies. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain amidst mounting public scrutiny. “I’ll be taking this issue to the country, and the voters are going to know that it’s not just a moment, just at the moment, we were going to secure the border and fund these other programs. Trump and the MAGA Republicans said no, because they’re afraid of Donald Trump,” said President Biden. “If that bill were the law today I’d shut down the border right now and fix it quickly. A bipartisan bill would be good for America and help fix our broken immigration system and allow speedy access for those who deserve to be here.” Legacy and lessons learnt The exponential increase in migrant detentions under Biden’s administration challenges his initial promise of a humane immigration policy. With fewer detentions reported under previous administrations, the border crisis serves as a poignant reminder of unmet expectations and evolving political dynamics. As the nation grapples with the repercussions of an unprecedented surge in border activity, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Biden’s ability to navigate this complex and contentious issue. With the 2024 elections looming, the outcome of this debate will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of US immigration policy for years to come. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.