Staff Reports
President Joe Biden recently issued an executive order aimed at managing the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States through the southern border. The order sets a limit on the number of illegal immigrants allowed to enter the country, but it also contains several exceptions that could still allow migrants to come in, at the discretion of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
The order states that the border would close if there are 2,500 or more illegal immigrant encounters for seven consecutive days, reopening once the number drops below 1,500 encounters for seven days straight. However, the definition of an “encounter” has some loopholes, such as only counting those apprehended within 100 miles of the southwest border within 14 days of entry.
Biden's border order contains many exceptions to allow illegal immigrants into US at Mayorkas' will and direction
Loaded with Loopholes: There are notable exceptions as to what is considered an "encounter" for the purposes of shutting down the border. https://t.co/Y7KmWNtg3d
— Trump2024_no_matter_what (@TexasTrump2024) June 6, 2024
Notably, certain categories of people, such as unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking, are exempt from these encounter counts. This leniency raises concerns about potential exploitation of these exceptions and further complicates the enforcement of immigration laws. It remains uncertain how these determinations will be made and monitored.
The order also grants Secretary Mayorkas broad authority to decide who can enter the U.S., allowing for additional exceptions beyond the specified criteria. This discretion leaves room for interpretation and may lead to inconsistencies in enforcement. The focus solely on the southern border neglects the increasing number of illegal immigrant encounters on the northern border, showing an imbalance in addressing border security.
Critics, including former officials, have expressed worries that the executive order could normalize chaos and lawlessness at the border, suggesting that it may result in as many as 2 million illegal immigrants entering the U.S. annually. They argue that the Biden administration’s approach could exacerbate the challenges faced at the border and incentivize further illegal crossings.
The timing and context of the executive order have also raised suspicions, with some questioning President Biden’s motives and suggesting political considerations may be influencing border policies. As the debate over immigration continues, the effectiveness and consequences of the executive order remain uncertain, sparking concerns about national security and law enforcement integrity.
