”We are left with a open border, and a Governor giving illegals the nod to come here.” – Steve Bannon’s War Room: Pandemic

In recent times, the issue of illegal immigration has become one of the most hotly debated topics in the United States. And as the country grapples with this complex challenge, the national conversation has been further ignited by recent comments made by former Trump advisor, Steve Bannon, on his podcast, War Room: Pandemic.

On the episode in question, Bannon touched on the subject of open borders, stating that “we are left with a open border, and a Governor giving illegals the nod to come here.” These comments speak to the broader concerns shared by many on the right that the Biden administration is not doing enough to secure the borders and that illegal immigration is steadily increasing.

Indeed, it is no secret that the current administration has adopted a more lenient approach on illegal immigration. This position was signaled early on by the rolling back of several Trump-era immigration policies, including the halting of the construction of the border wall and the ending of the “Remain in Mexico” policy.

This has led to a surge of migrants attempting to enter the country illegally, with record numbers being apprehended at the border. In June 2021, over 188,000 migrants were apprehended, the highest number in any single month in over a decade.

At the same time, some states have taken a more proactive approach to illegal immigration. One of these is Texas, whose Governor, Greg Abbott, has vowed to take matters into his own hands by building out border security measures in his state.

Yet, Bannon’s comments are not just a critique of the Biden administration’s policy but also look to shine a light on the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. Newsom has been a vocal advocate of immigrant rights and has signaled his willingness to welcome migrants to his state, which some believe constitutes a tacit invitation to illegal immigrants.

But what is the solution to this problem? There is no easy answer to that question, as the issue of illegal immigration is a complex and multifaceted one. It requires a comprehensive approach, one that balances the need for border security with the basic human rights of migrants.

One possible way forward is to implement more humanitarian-focused policies that address the root causes of why people decide to flee their home countries in the first place. This could include increasing funding for aid programs in Central America or fostering economic growth in these regions.

Another way forward is to improve the processing of migrants and the adjudication of asylum claims. One of the main drivers of illegal immigration is people seeking asylum or refugee status, but the existing system is slow and often ineffective. By streamlining this process, migrants can have their cases heard in a more timely and efficient manner.

In conclusion, the issue of illegal immigration is a thorny one that requires nuanced and thoughtful solutions. While there are no easy answers, what is clear is that the federal government, along with state leaders like Abbott and Newsom, will need to come together to find a way forward that balances the need for border security with the dignity and human rights of those seeking a better life in America.