Biden says he’ll shut down the border if deal gives him authority
The border has long been a vexing issue for the Biden White House. The president has seen record levels of migrant crossings since taking office in 2021, further inundating a border already heavily strained by irregular migration and an overwhelmed asylum processing system.
The president on Friday also asked Congress to provide the border funding he requested in October, which would provide money for an additional 1,300 border patrol agents, 375 immigration judges, 1,600 asylum officers and improved technology to detect fentanyl.
“Securing the border through these negotiations is a win for America,” Biden said. “For everyone who is demanding tougher border control, this is the way to do it. If you’re serious about the border crisis, pass a bipartisan bill and I will sign it.”
The White House’s decision to have Biden weigh in speaks to the precarious nature of the dealmaking, and the urgency facing his administration to take action on the border — particularly during an election year, when Republicans will use the issue to rally their base.
