President Joe Biden’s recent compromises on border policy to secure aid for Ukraine have sparked tension with key allies responsible for rallying voters, according to multiple sources. This development highlights the political challenges Biden’s campaign may face in the upcoming election.
Border Security: A Political Hurdle for Biden
As the 2024 election approaches, border security continues to be a political stumbling block for Biden. Public opinion polls indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the president’s management of migration at the southern border. Since assuming office, his administration has struggled with an unprecedented surge in migration in the Western Hemisphere, leading to record high arrests at the US-Mexico border. This situation has prompted a shift towards stricter immigration measures within the administration.
Immigration Restrictions: A Potential Backlash from Progressive Base
Biden, who promised to overhaul the US immigration system during his 2020 campaign, is now contemplating immigration restrictions that could have long-term effects on migrants. This move risks alienating his progressive base. Despite the president’s tone and policies differing significantly from his predecessor, Donald Trump, the concessions made by the White House to secure aid have frustrated those expected to campaign for Biden next year.
Democratic Leaders Express Concern
Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar, co-chair of the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, expressed her concerns to CNN, stating that the current situation is a departure from the campaign’s stance in 2020. She blamed Republican governors and attorneys general, along with Congress, for obstructing Biden’s immigration agenda. However, she also expressed alarm over the reported direction of border talks and the inclusion of stricter asylum policies among other immigration measures.
Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, voiced her inability to campaign for someone without tangible evidence of their efforts to strengthen asylum status and improve legal pathways. She also stated her intention to vote against any funding request that includes provisions restricting asylum at the US southern border.
White House Defends its Track Record
A White House official defended the administration’s track record, highlighting the Biden Administration’s expansion of lawful pathways and its efforts to reunify families separated by the Trump Administration.
Proposed Changes Echo Trump Administration
While Biden officials and Senate negotiators are still finalizing the details of a potential border deal, the White House has shown openness to changes reminiscent of those pursued by the Trump administration. These proposals include turning back migrants at the US-Mexico border without giving them the chance to seek asylum, expanding a fast-track deportation procedure to include more undocumented immigrants, and raising the credible fear standard for asylum seekers.
Political Complications for Biden
For Biden, the current political landscape is complex. While losing support from the Democratic base could harm his chances at the polls next November, the perception of inaction on border security could have far-reaching implications. A recent poll found that registered voters in six key battleground states trust Trump more than Biden on immigration.
Concerns Over Biden’s Vision
Despite the Biden campaign’s efforts to highlight Trump’s divisive rhetoric on immigration, allies remain worried about Biden’s vision. Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, referred to the White House’s statements about immigration policy concessions and the emails Biden’s 2024 campaign is sending out on immigration at the same time as “whiplash”. She expressed deep concern about the consideration of policies that could effectively end asylum as we know it.