Solidarity within the Democratic party is typically assumed. Democrats usually move forward together like a unified force, reminiscent of the Borg Collective from Star Trek. However, a recent development has exposed a vulnerability in their unity, as the Biden administration’s handling of the border situation has caused a rift.
According to The Hill, on Tuesday, 14 House Democrats supported a resolution condemning President Biden’s open border policy. The resolution was approved with a 226-193 vote, with 13 members abstaining from voting. Despite the majority of 187 Democrats opposing the resolution, the fact that 14 chose to break ranks indicates that the border crisis has escalated to a point where even moderate Democrats can no longer turn a blind eye to it.
14 Democrats vote for resolution denouncing Biden border policy https://t.co/zU9Kw6p4Fh
— The Hill (@thehill) March 13, 2024
A recent survey conducted by Gallup revealed that illegal immigration is the primary concern among voters as the 2024 election cycle approaches. Twenty-eight percent of respondents identified “immigration” as the most critical issue facing the country today, marking the first time since 2019 that immigration has topped the list of voter worries. The findings from Gallup are supported by a Wall Street Journal poll, which also ranked immigration as the top concern for voters, followed by the economy in second place. Additionally, a Fox News poll indicated that 66 percent of voters disapprove of President Biden’s handling of immigration.
GOP Representative Monica De La Cruz of Texas led a resolution condemning Biden’s border policies, accusing him and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of creating the worst border security crisis in the nation’s history. The resolution claimed that the president systematically dismantled effective border security measures and interior immigration enforcement, purposely violating United States immigration law with his open borders agenda. Moderate Democrats are now facing pressure to address the border crisis, urging Biden to implement stricter border controls as negotiations for border security in Congress have reached an impasse.
Negotiations have come to a standstill in recent weeks as Biden supported a Senate bill with border security reforms that House Republicans deemed insufficient. Swing-district members from both parties are working to persuade their colleagues to address the border security issue. However, the responsibility lies with Biden. By simply signing his name, he could significantly enhance border security overnight.
Biden has the power to use executive authority to put an end to “catch-and-release,” expedite the removal of illegal immigrants, and strengthen the asylum system. Instead, he deflects blame by insisting that congressional action is necessary to secure the border. House members from both sides are now holding Biden accountable. More than 20 House Democrats established a border security task force to advocate for border security policies. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, a Democrat co-chair of the task force, voted against Biden’s approach, as did some of his colleagues.
The border remains a top concern for voters in 2024. Despite this, Biden refuses to take executive action, as he and his progressive supporters prefer to keep the border open for as long as possible. The border has been open for too long already. Biden’s failure to act on border security is further evidence that he is not fit to be president and should be voted out of office in November.