Senate Republicans held a press conference on January 24th sharply criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of border security and immigration. Led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the senators lambasted the policies for allowing a surge of migrants at the southern border and demanded significant changes.
Opening Statements Highly Critical of Biden Policies
In his opening statement, Senator McConnell characterized the situation at the border as “total chaos” under President Biden’s leadership. “The bottom line is this: the Biden administration’s open border policies have produced the worst illegal immigration crisis in our nation’s history,” McConnell asserted.
As reported by ABC News, Senator Lindsey Graham echoed McConnell’s criticisms, saying “What Biden has done is surrendered operational control of the border to drug cartels and human smugglers.” Graham accused the administration of enticing migrants by promising pathways to citizenship, healthcare, and other social services.
Specific Criticisms and Statistics Cited on Border Crossings
The Republican senators utilized strong rhetoric and statistics to criticize various aspects of Biden’s border security and immigration policies:Record High Illegal Border Crossings
- Over 2 million migrant encounters at the southern border in 2022, the highest ever
- Includes over 850,000 Gotaways who evaded capture, also an all-time high
Rise in Fentanyl Deaths
- Fentanyl seizures up over 200% at the border over 2021
- 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, a new record
Repeal of Trump-Era Border Policies
- Biden ended Remain-in-Mexico, Title 42 expulsions, and wall construction
- This sent message that border is “open” and led to surge in migrants
Catch and Release
- Most illegal immigrants are released into U.S. interior, often don’t show for hearings
- Incentivizes more migrants to make dangerous journey
Democrats Policies Blamed for Border Crisis
The Republican senators placed the blame for the border situation squarely on Biden administration policies. They accused Biden of intentionally reversing Trump-era measures as part of a political ideology favoring open borders and lax enforcement.
“This crisis was caused by policy decisions made by the Biden administration,” Senator Ted Cruz stated. He said Biden officials “believe in open borders” and are “ideologically radical”. Cruz asserted Democrats are “perfectly happy to have millions of illegal immigrants flooding into this country” even though it enriches the cartels smuggling them.
Calls for Renewed Border Security Measures
In response to the spiraling border crisis, the senators called for strong new actions to secure the border and deter illegal immigration. Their demands included:
- Reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico program requiring asylum seekers to wait outside U.S.
- End catch and release policies and detain illegal border crossers
- Resume wall/barrier construction along vulnerable sectors
- Increase funding for more Border Patrol agents and immigration judges
The senators contended these measures would substantially reduce the flow of migrants and restore order at the border. “The solutions here are obvious to anyone taking an honest look at the situation,” said Senator Josh Hawley.
Democrats Largely Dismiss GOP Criticisms
Democratic leaders have pushed back against the Republican claims, denying the border situation constitutes a “crisis”. They accuse the GOP of exaggerating the problems and exploiting the issue for political gain.”The Biden administration understands this is a complex situation necessitating compassion as well as order,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“They have put forward sober, thoughtful policies balancing border security with America’s tradition of welcoming immigrants.”With immigration likely to be a major issue in the 2024 presidential race, the contrasting partisan views will ensure continuing contentious debate.
The Republican senators clearly hope their vocal criticism of Biden’s border policies will resonate with voters concerned over immigration issues.
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