Trump's "Border Closure" Pledge Met with Backlash
Progressive and Human Rights Groups Unite in Opposition
The White House in the United States is reportedly considering administrative measures to restrict asylum applications from illegal immigrants crossing the border with Mexico, sparking growing controversy. With the immigration issue emerging as a key topic ahead of the November U.S. presidential election, the Biden administration is showing signs of immigration control policies following former President Donald Trump's stance to completely close the border, prompting backlash from progressive groups.
On the 21st (local time), CNN cited sources saying, "The White House is considering administrative measures to restrict asylum applications from illegal immigrants," adding, "This appears to be a signal that the Biden administration is taking a tough stance on border issues ahead of the election."
Until now, the number of immigrants at the Mexico border had declined during the previous Trump administration due to border wall construction and immigration restrictions, but surged rapidly after the more lenient Biden administration took office. Last year, more than twice the usual number of illegal immigrants crossed the Mexico border. Recently, tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from South American countries such as Bolivia and Venezuela, as well as from China, have been entering through the Mexico border.
As a result, residents in border states have expressed widespread dissatisfaction. A high school in New Mexico has had to close several times a month due to the influx of immigrants. In Texas, over 10,000 immigrants arrive daily, leading to ongoing crime and social issues. This has caused the Biden administration's approval ratings to plummet.
President Biden announced last year that he would strictly control asylum for illegal immigrants, but faced strong opposition from progressive forces and human rights organizations, traditional Democratic supporters, and thus had not taken decisive action. In this context, as former President Trump gained popularity by pledging to close the border, the administration suddenly shifted sharply toward immigration control.
While this policy shift may be unavoidable amid the anger of white American voters over the surge in immigrants, concerns have been raised that it could backfire. Although it might expand moderate support, it is highly likely that the core progressive voter base will turn away significantly. Human rights groups have already protested, saying that Biden's and Trump's immigration policies have become the same.
The Washington Post (WP) pointed out, "President Biden's immigration policy has become one of the biggest vulnerabilities in his re-election bid," adding, "Border and immigration management receive the worst ratings in public opinion polls, and the record number of illegal crossings is energizing Republicans and highlighting former President Trump's strengths."
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