(TargetLiberty.org) – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, has expressed strong disapproval of President Biden’s contemplation of executive measures to manage the ongoing migrant situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. She voiced her criticism by drawing a parallel between Biden and former President Trump, known for his stringent immigration policies which were broadly criticized by the progressive community.
Ocasio-Cortez took to X, previously known as Twitter, to articulate her stance, emphasizing that mimicking Trump’s approach is not the solution to overcoming his legacy. She highlighted the legal right to seek asylum and called for adherence to democratic principles rather than compromising them in the face of authoritarian challenges. She labeled any consideration of such actions as unacceptable and urged the President to reject such measures.
When approached for a response to Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks, a White House spokesperson did not directly address her comments but instead underscored the necessity for House Republicans to engage with the Senate’s bipartisan proposal for border security and foreign aid—a bill that faced significant Republican resistance and failed to pass in the Senate.
The spokesperson defended the administration’s efforts, describing months of negotiations aimed at crafting a robust and equitable border security bill, highlighting the need for congressional action to enact substantial policy changes and provide the necessary resources to secure the border and reform the immigration system. The refusal of Congressional Republicans to support these measures was criticized, with their actions being portrayed as prioritizing partisan politics over national security.
The sentiment of frustration with President Biden’s readiness to adopt a more stringent approach to immigration is growing among Democrats, reflecting concerns over the impact on the nation’s strained asylum system. This shift in stance was evident when Biden hinted at closing the border if granted the legislative authority, prompting disappointment from Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán, who argued that such strategies have proven ineffective in the past.
Despite these debates, an administration official indicated that no definitive decision has been made regarding potential executive actions, with the President considering a range of policy options.
This development occurs amidst reports that Biden is evaluating executive actions to limit the asylum claims of migrants entering the U.S. illegally, a move that has been met with criticism from both his progressive base and conservative opponents who blame him for exacerbating the border crisis by undoing Trump-era policies.
The issue of border security is increasingly becoming a focal point for voters as the 2024 elections approach, underscored by the recent electoral victory of U.S. Rep.-elect Tom Suozzi in New York, who campaigned on addressing the border crisis. A recent survey underscores the significance of the border issue among voters, with a substantial majority recognizing it as a critical concern.
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