Borderline Chaos: The Biden Administration’s Strategic Gamble at the Southern Border

Introduction

The southern border of the United States has long been a flashpoint in American politics, with each administration grappling with the complexities of immigration. The Biden Administration’s approach to border security has faced significant scrutiny and criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who argue that the policies have led to a surge in illegal immigration. This report delves into the potential ulterior motives behind the administration’s handling of the border crisis, examining whether these actions are driven by a strategy to influence the upcoming census and increase electoral votes or to weaken the country and consolidate government power.

Policy Shifts and Their Impact

Upon taking office, President Joe Biden aggressively reversed several Trump-era immigration policies, sparking a border crisis of unprecedented proportions. Critics argue that these policy reversals are not just misguided but part of a deliberate strategy to manipulate future electoral outcomes and consolidate power. The result? A border in chaos, a nation’s security compromised, and a crisis that is spiraling out of control.

One of Biden’s first actions was halting the construction of the border wall, a move celebrated by his supporters as a shift towards a more compassionate approach to immigration. However, this decision has had catastrophic consequences. The border wall was a critical barrier, designed to deter illegal crossings and protect American communities. By stopping its construction, the Biden Administration effectively opened the floodgates, signaling to the world that the U.S. borders are wide open. This has led to a dramatic surge in illegal border crossings, overwhelming U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and resources.

The decision to rescind the “Remain in Mexico” policy, formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), further exacerbated the situation. This policy required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their U.S. immigration court hearings, thereby reducing the burden on U.S. facilities and discouraging illegal entry. By ending this policy, the Biden Administration has created a magnet for migrants, who now flock to the U.S. border in unprecedented numbers, confident that they will be allowed to enter and stay while their cases are processed. This has not only overwhelmed immigration courts and detention facilities but also created a humanitarian disaster on both sides of the border.

Reinstating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was another controversial move. While intended to protect Dreamers—undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children—this policy has been criticized for encouraging further illegal immigration. It sends a clear message: break the law, and you will be rewarded. This undermines the rule of law and incentivizes more families to send their children on the dangerous journey to the U.S., believing they too will receive leniency and protection.

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, has been the face of these controversial policies. Despite facing intense criticism and impeachment proceedings, Mayorkas remains steadfast in his defense of the administration’s approach. He claims their policies are designed to manage the border humanely while addressing the root causes of migration, such as violence and poverty in migrants’ home countries. However, his reassurances ring hollow to those on the ground who are witnessing the chaos firsthand. The dismissal of impeachment charges against him, which he argued “proves definitively that there was no evidence or Constitutional grounds to justify impeachment,” has done little to quell the growing unrest and dissatisfaction.

Addressing the Root Causes: Fact or Fiction?

The Biden Administration has touted its efforts to address the root causes of migration in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. According to official sources, the administration has launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving security, governance, human rights, and economic conditions in these regions. Initiatives include providing $310 million in urgent relief for humanitarian needs, implementing anticorruption measures, and supporting economic development through programs like USAID’s Feed the Future, which aids farmers and enhances food security.

Despite these efforts, there is skepticism about the effectiveness and sincerity of these initiatives. Critics argue that the administration’s actions are more about optics than tangible results, intended to placate domestic and international critics while failing to produce meaningful change on the ground. The persistent influx of migrants at the U.S. border suggests that these root causes are not being sufficiently addressed, raising questions about the administration’s true commitment to solving these issues.e immigration system. However, critics argue that these policies have effectively opened the floodgates, leading to unprecedented numbers of migrants attempting to cross the border.

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, has been at the center of this controversy. Despite facing impeachment proceedings and intense criticism, Mayorkas has maintained that the administration is committed to managing the border humanely and addressing the root causes of migration​ (Wikipedia)​​ (AOL.com)​. The dismissal of the impeachment charges against him, which he argued “proves definitively that there was no evidence or Constitutional grounds to justify impeachment,” has not quelled the debate​ (AOL.com)​.

The Surge in Numbers

Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicate a significant increase in border crossings since early 2021. Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We can —and we will— do better to ensure this never happens again,” following the tragic in-custody death of a child​ (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)​. Miller also highlighted new parole processes for migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua as part of efforts to provide orderly pathways to the U.S. while imposing consequences for those who bypass legal channels​ (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)​.

Potential Ulterior Motives

The surge in illegal immigration has led to speculation about the Biden Administration’s underlying intentions. Two prevailing theories have emerged:

1. Influencing the Census and Electoral Votes: Some critics argue that the administration’s lax border policies are a strategic move to influence the upcoming census. By allowing more immigrants into the country, they suggest, the administration aims to increase the population count in Democrat-leaning states, thereby securing more electoral votes and congressional seats. This theory posits that a higher immigrant population could shift the political balance in favor of the Democratic Party.
2. Consolidating Government Power: Another theory is that the administration seeks to weaken the country to justify increased government intervention and control. By creating a situation perceived as chaotic and unmanageable, the government could expand its powers under the guise of restoring order. This approach would ostensibly allow for greater federal oversight and intervention in various aspects of American life, consolidating power within the executive branch.

Congressional Responses

The response from congressional Republicans has been swift and fierce. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise criticized Mayorkas, stating, “The Secretary of Homeland Security is the person in charge of the border. He can secure the border today. He’s chosen not to, and that’s a failure of his job”​ (Committee on Homeland Security)​. Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Mark Green, accused Mayorkas of “willfully refusing to comply with the law” and “breaching the public trust” by releasing inadmissible aliens and obstructing congressional oversight​ (Committee on Homeland Security)​.

The Democratic Defense

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have defended the administration’s policies, arguing that the impeachment efforts against Mayorkas were politically motivated. Schumer emphasized that the focus should be on comprehensive immigration reform rather than punitive measures against individual officials​ (AOL.com)​.

Conclusion

The Biden Administration’s handling of the southern border crisis has sparked intense debate and speculation about its true motives. Whether driven by a strategic aim to influence the census and increase electoral votes, or a desire to weaken the country to consolidate government power, the implications of these policies are profound. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these theories will play out and what the ultimate impact will be on the nation.