But virtually all of Biden’s attempts to pivot to the center on the border, which is still seeing a historically high number crossings, are too little too late and meant to grab headlines rather than solve the problem, critics say. Working with allies to accept more migrants or creating a new asylum application process may prompt media commentary about Biden’s attempt at triangulation in the lead-up to 2024, those critics allege, but do nothing to change the fact that millions of Latin Americans believe they are welcome to start new lives in the United States.
Even some liberals agree. For two years, said Democratic political consultant Colin Strother, the White House allowed “ideologues” to determine the nation’s immigration policies, leading to chaotic flows of illegal immigrants. Now, administration officials are trying to undo the damage. “Biden sees the same polling data as everyone else. They’re talking to focus groups, they know it’s a problem,” Strother said.
[It’s all cheap talk, at least for now. The best move Biden could make to change the border-crisis narrative would be to fire Mayorkas and appoint a more serious national-security figure in his place. Mayorkas’ continued presence at DHS reveals how unserious Biden’s recent blatherings are, as well as one of the more mystifying examples of political malpractice in his presidency. — Ed]
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