Joe Biden should acknowledge that Republicans are partially correct about border security.
If there was ever a compelling argument for a centrist third party in American presidential elections—and currently there isn’t—one of the strongest reasons would be the significant migration happening in the western hemisphere. This migration is causing both major parties to adopt foolish and even inhumane positions. The issue of illegal border crossings is a complex problem. However, Democrats and Republicans have turned it into a polarizing topic, offering simplistic and mutually obstructive solutions that defy compromise and common sense.
The most recent example occurred in early October, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to construct 20 new miles of barriers along the Rio Grande in south-eastern Texas. As a candidate, Joe Biden pledged not to build ”another foot” of wall, so reporters saw an opportunity to expose hypocrisy and prepared to criticize him.
However, when they confronted the president in the Oval Office, he provided an explanation: Congress forced his hand. This explanation holds true. In 2019, Congress allocated $1.375 billion for a “barrier system along the southwest border.” Since the Biden administration attempted to convince Congress to redirect the remaining funds, they risked violating the law if they didn’t take action. When asked if he believed a border wall “works,” Mr. Biden firmly replied, ”No.” In other words, the problem turned out to be more than just hypocrisy; it was foolishness. Mr. Biden couldn’t provide an answer that any child would find obviously true: walls do work, but only in certain circumstances.
2023-10-12 09:04:45
Original from www.economist.com
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