Heated Debate Over Illegal Immigration... Trump Says "Americans Living in 'Rat Nests,' Blames Biden"

In the first TV debate held on the 27th (local time) between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who will face off in the upcoming U.S. presidential election this November, a heated exchange also took place over immigration and border policies. Former President Trump claimed that crime in the U.S. has surged due to the Biden administration's immigration policies, stating, "We no longer have a border." In contrast, President Biden dismissed Trump's claims as exaggerations and lies.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Republican presidential candidate Trump attended the debate at CNN studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and blamed the Biden administration's immigration policies, saying, "They (illegal immigrants) are killing our people in New York, California, and every state in the U.S." He raised his voice, saying that due to the increase in immigrant crime, "Americans are living in a rat's nest," and "We no longer have a border. They are killing our citizens at levels we've never seen before."

In particular, former President Trump claimed that the southern border was the safest during his term. He said, "President Biden opened the border, allowing criminals and terrorists to enter the U.S. in record numbers," and pledged a large-scale deportation policy for illegal immigrants. He also disparaged the job achievements claimed by the Biden administration, saying, "The only jobs Biden has created are illegal immigrant jobs and 'rebound jobs' after COVID-19."

In response, President Biden countered Trump, saying, "He is exaggerating and lying. There is no data to support what he said." Regarding illegal immigration, Biden explained, "We will strengthen border inspections when immigrants cross over." He also mentioned recent border closure administrative measures, stating, "The number of people crossing the border illegally has decreased by 40%," and added, "It has improved compared to when he left the White House." He criticized the Trump administration for separating children from their mothers and putting them behind bars, saying, "They tore families apart."

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The debate, which started at 10 a.m. Korean time on the 28th, is being conducted over a total of 90 minutes, with each candidate answering moderator questions for 2 minutes each and rebutting for 1 minute each. Following pre-agreed rules, the two candidates took the stage in a studio without an audience for about 90 minutes, carrying only a pen, paper, and a bottle of water. Bringing pre-written notes or prepared materials was also prohibited. This face-to-face debate between President Biden and former President Trump is the first in about four years since October 23, 2020. Locally, there is widespread evaluation that this debate could be a crucial turning point in the closely contested U.S. presidential election race.