Democrats are warning President Joe Biden that his focus on limiting asylum-seekers with recent executive orders, without advancing legal protections for Dreamers, could affect his chances of winning re-election. Democratic representatives including Sylvia Garcia, Delia Ramirez, Pramila Jayapal, and Senator Alex Padilla held a press conference with Dreamers, urging the administration to balance the strict immigration crackdown with legal pathways for immigrants.
Ramirez, whose husband could face deportation without Dreamer protections, cautioned that sticking to restrictive immigration policies without creating legal pathways could have dire consequences for Biden’s re-election. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus expressed disappointment over the executive order and urged the president to provide relief to Dreamers and other unauthorized immigrants.
Democrats warn Biden choosing border security over Dreamers could cost him election – Washington Examiner https://t.co/dkOit5wWmM
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They presented various reforms, including labor protections for undocumented farmworkers, expanding work permits, and creating a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. While Biden has hinted at more actions to come, some Democrats are emphasizing the need for him to act unilaterally, given the makeup of Congress.
Meanwhile, Republicans have criticized Biden’s immigration policies, citing national security concerns. They argue that the border has become more unsecure under Biden’s administration, pointing to recent arrests of individuals suspected of having ties to ISIS who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.
Despite the concerns, some Democrats push back against Biden’s latest executive order, highlighting the need for proper staffing, training, and technology at the border, especially to assist women and children seeking asylum. They stress the importance of maintaining the country’s values and providing support to those in need.