Article Summary
US President Joe Biden is under increasing pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to address the rising numbers of migrants crossing into the US. Record levels of migration have led to overcrowded migrant camps, strained shelters and depleted budgets, with Democratic mayors and governors calling for federal help. In cities such as Boston, Denver, Chicago, and New York, among others, local leaders are in frequent contact with White House officials asking for assistance. There is a growing belief that this issue could lead to bipartisan agreement on immigration action, an unlikely outcome just a few years ago. Both parties have expressed interest in more funding for border security, although details of how much and where it should be directed are yet to be finalized.
Bipartisan Pressure on Biden Over Migrant Crisis
President Biden is facing increasing pressure to address the escalating number of migrants crossing into the United States. The demand for action isn’t just from Republican critics, but also Democratic leaders in major cities like Boston, Denver, Chicago, and New York. These leaders are in regular contact with White House officials, seeking help with overflowing migrant camps and strained budgets.
Democratic authorities in these cities have publicly addressed the growing crisis. However, they stop short of calling for strict border control measures as demanded by Republicans. This bipartisan concern has put the president’s administration in a tight spot, increasing the likelihood of immigration concessions to Republicans.
Impact of Migrant Influx on Major Cities
The influx of migrants into these cities has been far from coordinated. Thousands of migrants have arrived in cities like Denver and Boston, straining resources and budgets. These migrants predominantly arrive unannounced on buses or planes sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Other cities, like New York, have seen over 164,500 migrants entering shelters since April 2022.
Democratic mayors criticize Mr. Abbott for using migrants to make a political statement. However, the tactic seems to have had an impact, delivering the migrant crisis directly to cities far north from the border.
City Responses to the Migrant Crisis
New York Mayor, Eric Adams, filed lawsuits against 17 charter bus companies seeking $708 million in compensation for transporting migrants from Texas without covering the cost of care. Denver’s Mayor, Mike Johnston, is managing the city’s migrant camps, moving people into shelters and apartments despite the daily arrival of new migrants.
According to the United Nations, a record number of people are fleeing their homelands due to conflict, climate change, political unrest, and economic hardship. Nearly 2.5 million people crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2023. This has sparked anger among Biden’s top aides towards Mr. Abbott and frustration with the unresolved issue.
Funding and Support for Cities
Tom Perez, director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, states that President Biden is focused on securing additional resources, including more Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, and immigration judges. Furthermore, the president is advocating for more technology to catch fentanyl and more funding for communities hosting migrants.
However, cities are spending millions to house and feed migrants, straining their budgets. New York has already spent $3.1 billion on such efforts. Other cities, including Boston, Denver, and Los Angeles, are facing similar financial strains.
Political Stalemate on Migrant Crisis
The migrant crisis remains a contentious issue on Capitol Hill, with Republicans calling for stricter asylum and immigration policies. Meanwhile, Democrats resist these demands, leading to a stalemate. Furthermore, this issue is impacting Mr. Biden’s foreign policy priorities, including military funding for Ukraine and Israel.
The pressure on the president is influencing legislative negotiations, with White House officials indicating openness to changes that could expedite the deportation of asylum seekers. This would mark a drastic shift from Democratic positions at the start of Biden’s presidency, indicating that the dynamics of the migrant crisis have indeed changed.
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