Biden-Harris Administration Faces Criticism Over Border Crisis and National Security Threats

Historic Border Crisis Under the Biden-Harris Administration

The Biden-Harris administration has been criticized for its handling of the border crisis, which has seen unprecedented levels of activity. Since their administration began, over 10.3 million encounters with inadmissible aliens have been reported, compared to only 3.1 million during Fiscal Years 2017-2020. This surge has led to increased scrutiny and calls for more stringent border policies.

Terror Threats and National Security Concerns

Recent hearings by the House Homeland Security Subcommittee have shown heightened concerns about national security due to the border crisis. The discussions focused on the rising migration from regions outside the Western Hemisphere and how it impacts terror threats to the homeland. Alarmingly, since FY2021, 382 individuals on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border.

In addition to those apprehended, there is growing anxiety over the number of ‘gotaways’ – people who have managed to evade arrest. Since President Biden took office, over 1.5 million gotaways have been reported, causing worry about potential security threats these individuals may pose.

Criticism and Policy Impacts

The Biden-Harris administration has faced substantial criticism for ending several Trump-era policies considered effective in protecting the border. One such policy is the Remain in Mexico policy, which required asylum seekers to await their court hearings in Mexico. Critics argue that ending such measures has left the country vulnerable to terrorist and criminal infiltration.

Furthermore, the administration has seen a decline in detention and removal rates. In the administration’s first year, the detention rate for illegal aliens was only 10%, compared to 82% during the Obama administration. Removals also fell sharply, from over 267,000 in FY2019 to around 59,000 in FY2021.

Drug Smuggling and Border Patrol Challenges

The border crisis has coincided with a significant increase in drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl. Over 200,000 Americans have died from fentanyl smuggled across the Southwest border since the Biden administration took office. This epidemic exacerbates the challenges faced by overwhelmed Border Patrol agents, who have seen encounters at ports of entry rise from one million between FY2017-2020 to over three million since FY2021.

As part of the response to the crisis, President Biden has implemented executive actions aimed at restricting the ability of migrants who cross the Southern border unlawfully to receive asylum. These actions include a proclamation and an interim final rule targeted at restricting asylum for noncitizens who do not follow legal entry processes.

Call for Congressional Action

Despite these executive actions, the Biden-Harris administration has emphasized that Congressional action is essential to achieving lasting results. The administration has underscored the need for critical personnel and funding to further secure the Southern border, pointing out that executive measures alone are insufficient to address the ongoing border crisis and broken immigration system.