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President Joe Biden has advocated for “significant policy changes” to asylum law amid ongoing immigration policy negotiations tied to a global security package. This comes as a contrast to Biden’s previous campaign promise to restore the US as a haven for refugees and asylum-seekers, and coincides with the upcoming 2024 presidential election and increased asylum claims at the southern border. The proposed changes to asylum law have faced opposition from progressive and Latino lawmakers, who argue that the Republicans’ desire to set a higher bar for migrants to claim asylum is unjust.
On Friday, President Joe Biden highlighted his support for “significant policy changes” in the asylum law during ongoing immigration policy talks between the White House and Senate, tied to a global security package. Biden’s stance reflects a shift from his campaign promises, as he increasingly takes a harder line on immigration, particularly in light of the upcoming 2024 presidential elections and a surge in asylum claims at the Southern border.
This comes as cities like Chicago and New York request federal aid to handle the overflow of migrants that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sent to Democratic cities without any prior notice. Furthermore, immigration remains a central issue for the GOP presidential nominee front-runner, former President Donald Trump.
Biden hopes for Southern border deal this week
Biden indicated that his administration, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, continues collaborating with bipartisan senators to negotiate immigration policies. The primary objective is to secure Senate Republicans’ support for foreign aid in return for immigration inclusion in legislation. However, progressive and Latino lawmakers opposed these proposed asylum law changes.
Biden anticipates a border security deal with the Senate this week, noting it’s up to House Republicans whether they want to solve immigration issues or use them for political gains. At the same time, House Republicans are advancing impeachment proceedings against Mayorkas over the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
Mayors in D.C. for conference
Biden’s comments concluded the three-day United States Conference of Mayors’ 92nd winter meeting. The president praised the bipartisan work done by his administration to aid state and local governments in improving infrastructure and tackling climate change. He emphasized the need for more actions, such as passing universal background checks and banning assault weapons.
Members of Congress, including U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Marc Molinaro, stressed the importance of focusing on bipartisan issues. Cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, also participated in interviews.
Harris, mayors discuss gun violence
Vice President Kamala Harris also met with mayors to discuss gun violence, a rising issue in America. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 14 mass shootings already this year. Harris pointed out that gun violence is the leading cause of children’s deaths in America and urged mayors to harness their convening power to create multi-disciplinary dialogues aimed at building more comprehensive strategies to tackle this problem.
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