Opinion | To Win on Immigration, Biden Must Move the Debate Beyond the Border

President Biden recently issued a proclamation granting the Department of Homeland Security the authority to block migrants from seeking asylum between ports of entry at the United States-Mexico border. This means that only those who can secure an appointment through the government’s CBP One app will be able to apply for asylum at the border, which goes against immigration law.

This decision by the president mirrors a policy from the Trump era in 2018 that also restricted protections for asylum seekers between ports of entry. However, that policy was blocked by federal courts. The American Civil Liberties Union has announced plans to challenge this new ban as well.

While President Biden may believe that closing the border to asylum seekers will improve his standing with voters, it may actually have the opposite effect. Restricting asylum further could push individuals to cross at more dangerous areas along the border.

Despite the challenges posed by this immigration policy, President Biden has a moral obligation to protect the communities he vowed to defend during his campaign four years ago. This would not only be a smart political move but also a step towards upholding his promises.

The immigration debate in the United States should not solely focus on border security and fear mongering. President Biden can distinguish himself by adopting a more holistic approach to immigration challenges. By enacting policies that benefit both immigrants and Americans, he can set a new standard for leadership in this area.

While Congress holds the power to create a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country, President Biden can use his executive authority to shield immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally. Temporary protections for undocumented individuals could have a significant impact on their lives.

In the past, Democrats have made efforts to protect undocumented immigrants, such as with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated by President Obama. DACA provided temporary relief from deportation and work permits to eligible individuals, allowing them to pursue education and employment opportunities.

President Biden could follow a similar path by extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to more people fleeing natural disasters and conflict. This would not only provide legal status to these individuals but also address labor shortages in certain sectors.

While many executive branch immigration policies have faced legal challenges in recent years, President Biden has the opportunity to implement policies with strong legal foundations. By leveraging his parole power and expanding protections like TPS, he can make a positive impact on the lives of millions of undocumented individuals in the country.

Rather than getting caught up in border politics, President Biden should focus on policies that facilitate legal immigration to address critical issues like workforce shortages and population decline. By prioritizing the protection of undocumented individuals and advocating for sensible immigration laws, he can lead his party towards a more inclusive and effective approach to immigration reform.