Biden Border Executive Order is One-Dimensional Political ‘Flex’ That Falls Short

Janet Murguía

Posted June 13, 2024

Decades of Congressional inaction and obstruction have left us with a dysfunctional immigration system that does not address the needs of our country. Latino voters, like the majority of American voters, are frustrated with this lack of action on the border. They want a secure, orderly border and an effective and humane immigration system. Among the community’s priorities is that they want to see the U.S. partner with other countries to limit undocumented immigration to our country, crack down on human traffickers and drug smugglers, and provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have been living and working in the U.S. for a long time.

Unfortunately, this specific executive action is a one-note political ‘flex’ on enforcement that, without other necessary elements, will do little to address the many gaps and workarounds when it comes to security on the border. It focuses, for example, on the people coming rather than on those profiting from their desperation; on further restricting access rather than making meaningful, long-term investments in the system for processing asylum seekers and other immigrants so it’s more efficient; and on the border alone rather than on collaborating with other countries to address flows and the drivers of migration. It also fails to include paths to legality and stability for deeply rooted immigrants who have worked and paid taxes for years, such as DACA and TPS beneficiaries, and the parents and spouses of American citizens.

That is why it’s so critical that he use his authority to advance a fair and balanced approach that includes providing immigration relief for the undocumented with deep family and economic roots in the United States, the most widely supported immigration measure in our analyses of Hispanic voters. It’s the right thing to do consistent with our values, and it is critical to provide stability to workers and businesses.

We acknowledge, though, that Congressional neglect has made the situation at the border far worse, and the President has a narrow space for action. We also recognize that while this approach falls short of our country’s interests and needs, President Biden’s policies stand in stark contrast to other even more extreme proposals out there. We will continue to advocate for an immigration system that is consistent with our interests, needs, and values that will ensure the future economic prosperity of our nation.

Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS.