President Joe Biden has reiterated his belief that border walls do not work, despite his administration's recent decision to waive 26 laws in order to build additional barriers along the US-Mexico border. The move comes as the Biden administration faces increased political pressure over the surge of migrants at the border.
The construction of the wall will be funded using already allocated funds that were specifically designated for physical border barriers. The administration had a deadline to utilize these funds, and with the recent influx of migrants straining federal and local resources, the decision to construct additional barriers was made. The notice cited "high illegal entry" as the reason for the construction.
Biden, who had previously promised that no more border wall would be built during his presidency, defended the decision by stating that he had attempted to redirect the allocated funds for other purposes but was unsuccessful. He added that there was nothing under the law that allowed him to stop the use of the funds for their intended purpose.
When asked if he believes that the border wall works, Biden responded with a firm "No."
The Rio Grande Valley sector has seen nearly 300,000 encounters between last October and August, according to Border Patrol data. Last month alone, Border Patrol apprehended over 200,000 migrants crossing the US-Mexico border, marking the highest total for this year.
Since the beginning of his presidency, Biden has faced numerous challenges at the border, including a surge of unaccompanied migrant children. His immigration policies have been heavily criticized by Republicans and, at times, even Democrats. The recent surge has further strained federal resources and resulted in fresh criticism from Republicans as well as concerns within the administration.
The Department of Homeland Security has waived several laws, regulations, and legal requirements in order to expedite the construction of the border barriers in Starr County, Texas. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, stated that there is an urgent need to construct physical barriers and roads to prevent unlawful entries into the United States.
Funding for the construction will come from a 2019 appropriations bill that specifically allocated money for a "border barrier" in the Rio Grande Valley. The funds must be spent by the end of fiscal year 2023, prompting the decision to move forward with construction this year. Among the laws being bypassed are the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act.
While migrant crossings are expected to remain high in the near term, the US is engaging with Mexico to address the situation. Senior administration officials maintain that the US has been in regular contact with Mexico regarding the border situation, including commitments to strengthen enforcement measures. This week, top US officials will meet with their Mexican counterparts in Mexico City to discuss various security issues, including migration.
Migration along the US-Mexico border remains a contentious issue, with Republicans, conservative media, and some Democrats calling for stronger federal efforts to address the influx of migrants and provide necessary resources. The Biden administration continues to navigate the challenges and complexities of immigration policy while facing ongoing pressure to find effective solutions.