Surge in Immigration Following Title 42 Repeal
Key Issue in November Midterm Elections
[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The U.S. government under Joe Biden is facing a political crisis due to the surge of illegal immigrants. Alongside the Ukraine war and inflation, immigration policy is emerging as a key issue in the upcoming November midterm elections, potentially hindering President Biden.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 2nd (local time) that "immigration is becoming an increasing vulnerability for President Biden," adding, "voters feel that President Biden has no plan to handle the situation unfolding at the border areas."
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the number of immigrants attempting to enter through the U.S.-Mexico border in March reached 221,303, marking the highest figure in 22 years. The number of illegal immigrants has surpassed one million in the past six months. Most are from Latin American countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. There has also been a sharp increase in Haitians and Ukrainians seeking entry due to political instability.
The surge in immigrants trying to cross the Mexican border is linked to the Biden administration's decision to repeal the federal public health law 'Title 42,' which mandated the forced expulsion of illegal entrants at the border starting on the 23rd. Given that President Biden, who took office by actively criticizing former President Donald Trump's hardline policies and promoting humanitarian policies, there was also an expectation that those entering the U.S. would not be deported. The Wall Street Journal and CNN both agreed that "the Biden administration has almost no way to control foreigners crossing the border."
In the U.S., as the end date for the enforcement of Title 42 approaches, the debate over its pros and cons is intensifying. Especially with the midterm elections approaching, where all House members and one-third of Senators will be newly elected, the Republican Party is increasing its offensive by arguing that the previous administration's policies, which strictly blocked illegal immigrants, were correct.
The Democratic Party is facing internal discord over immigration policy, compounding their difficulties. Some, like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, call Title 42 a "terrible and inhumane policy" and demand inclusive immigration policies, while others, such as Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who plans to run in the midterms, advocate for extending Title 42. ABC News predicted that "the division within the party over Title 42 could become an obstacle in the midterm elections."
A majority of Americans do not trust the Democratic Party's immigration policies. According to a poll conducted by The Washington Post (WP) and ABC News from the 24th to 28th of last month with 1,004 Americans, 42% supported the Republican Party's immigration policies, while 40% supported the Democratic Party's policies.
The Financial Times analyzed that "due to immigration policy, the Democratic Party risks narrowing its position in the midterm elections." CNN diagnosed that "the Democratic Party is facing a crisis of handing over both the House and Senate to the Republican Party in the midterms."
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