In a surprising move, the Biden administration announced plans to continue the construction of the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. This decision contradicts President Biden's campaign promise that “not another foot” of wall would be built during his presidency.[0] The administration argued that they were obligated to use the funds allocated for border wall construction in 2019 before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.[1]
President Biden explained that he had tried to redirect the funds for other purposes, but Congress did not approve the reappropriation.[1] As a result, the administration had no choice but to use the funds for their intended purpose.[2] When asked if he believed the border wall works, President Biden responded with a definitive “no.”[1]
The Biden administration faced immediate backlash and criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for their decision. Democrats accused the administration of deviating from their stated policy of not supporting the border wall, while Republicans accused them of hypocrisy for using executive powers to continue construction. The administration defended their decision, stating that they were legally required to utilize the funds for their appropriated purpose.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who oversees border security, reiterated that the administration's position on the border wall has not changed. He stated that a border wall is not the answer to immigration issues and that their focus remains on addressing the root causes of migration. However, Mayorkas acknowledged that there is an immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in certain areas to prevent unlawful entries into the United States.[3]
The decision to waive 26 federal regulations to expedite the construction of the border wall in South Texas has also raised concerns about environmental and cultural preservation. The waivers include laws such as the National Environmental Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.[1] Critics argue that these waivers undermine environmental protections and could have long-lasting negative impacts on the region's biodiversity.
The construction of the border wall will take place in Starr County, Texas, a sparsely populated area along the Rio Grande Valley.[4] Officials report high numbers of unlawful crossings in this area, which prompted the decision to prioritize construction there.[5]
The Biden administration's decision to continue the construction of the border wall highlights the challenges they face in managing immigration issues. Since taking office, President Biden has been criticized for his handling of the border, particularly in the face of a surge in migrant crossings.[6] The administration has tried to strike a balance between addressing the immediate need for border security and implementing a more compassionate and comprehensive immigration policy.
While the decision to continue the construction of the border wall may seem contradictory to President Biden's campaign promises, it underscores the complex and nuanced nature of immigration policy. The administration is faced with the challenge of finding solutions that address the immediate security concerns while also addressing the underlying causes of migration.
Moving forward, it is essential for the administration to communicate their immigration policies clearly and transparently. The decision to continue the construction of the border wall has raised questions about consistency and trust in the administration's approach to immigration. It is crucial for them to provide a comprehensive and coherent plan that addresses both border security and immigration reform to regain public confidence.
In conclusion, the Biden administration's decision to continue the construction of the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has sparked controversy and criticism. While the administration argues that they are legally bound to utilize the funds allocated for this purpose, critics question the consistency of their immigration policies. The decision to waive federal regulations also raises concerns about environmental and cultural preservation. Moving forward, the administration must address these concerns and provide a clear and comprehensive plan to address border security and immigration reform.
0. “Biden to build 20 miles of wall on US border with Mexico” The Times, 5 Oct. 2023, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/joe-biden-us-mexico-border-wall-new-section-0w5zfwb9v
1. “Biden Scraps Environmental Laws to Build Trump's Border Wall” The New Republic, 5 Oct. 2023, https://newrepublic.com/article/176029/biden-scraps-environmental-laws-build-trumps-border-wall
2. “Biden administration waives 26 federal laws to build more border wall in South Texas” Texas Public Radio, 4 Oct. 2023, https://www.tpr.org/border-immigration/2023-10-04/biden-administration-waives-26-federal-laws-to-build-more-border-wall-in-south-texas
3. “Amid restart of border wall construction in Texas, some Arizonans express their worries” FOX 10 News Phoenix, 6 Oct. 2023, https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/amid-restart-of-border-wall-construction-in-texas-some-arizonans-express-their-worries
4. “Biden faces bipartisan attacks over new border wall” BBC.com, 6 Oct. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67024003
5. “Biden approves border walls as crossings rise in Mexico” Vanguard, 5 Oct. 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/10/biden-approves-border-walls-as-crossings-rise-in-mexico/
6. “Biden says border walls don’t work as administration bypasses laws to build more barriers in South Texas” CNN, 5 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/05/politics/biden-administration-border-wall/index.html
