FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concern over the issue of gotaways across the southern border during a congressional hearing on Wednesday. As the United States continues to grapple with a historic migrant crisis, a recent poll conducted by the Marquette Law School reveals that a majority of voters trust former President Donald Trump more than President Biden in handling the ongoing situation.
According to the poll, which asked respondents about their perceptions of immigration and border security, 50% of those surveyed believed that Trump would handle the issue better, while only 27% expressed confidence in Biden. Additionally, 7% felt that both candidates would perform equally, and 16% believed that neither would be effective. Trump also received higher ratings in areas such as the economy, the Israel-Hamas war, foreign relations, and Medicare and Social Security, albeit by small margins. Biden, on the other hand, was favored on topics such as abortion policy and climate change.
The poll results come as the United States faces a migrant crisis now entering its third year. In October alone, there were more than 249,000 migrant encounters, marking the highest number for that month on record. This follows a record-breaking fiscal year 2023, which saw over 2.4 million migrant encounters and more than 600,000 gotaways.
Republicans have been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis, blaming it on policy changes, including the reversal of Trump-era measures like the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and the cessation of border wall construction, as well as reduced interior enforcement. In response, House Republicans have passed a comprehensive bill aimed at limiting asylum and bolstering border security, including the resumption of wall construction. However, the bill has yet to gain support from Democrats, which is necessary for it to pass in the Senate. Additionally, Republicans have attempted to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, although their efforts were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has argued that the situation at the border is part of a broader crisis affecting the entire hemisphere. It claims that additional resources and immigration reform legislation are necessary to address what it perceives as a “broken” immigration system. The administration has also emphasized a strategy that involves implementing consequences for illegal entry while expanding legal pathways for migration. However, the proposed legislation, which would have broadened immigration paths and provided amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants, has not garnered any Republican support.
To tackle the ongoing crisis, the White House has recently requested an additional $14 billion in supplemental funding for border operations. This funding would be allocated towards migrant services and housing, anti-fentanyl technology, and the recruitment of more border agents. The Biden administration’s approach emphasizes enforcement, deterrence, and diplomacy, alongside a significant expansion of lawful pathways into the United States.
The impact of the border crisis extends beyond border communities, affecting cities and states throughout the country. New York City, for example, has announced budget cuts in various sectors, including policing and education, attributing these reductions to the substantial costs associated with accommodating over 110,000 migrants who have arrived in the “sanctuary” city in the past year.
In conclusion, the Marquette Law School poll highlights the public’s preference for Trump over Biden when it comes to handling the ongoing border crisis. The United States continues to grapple with a significant migrant influx, prompting criticism from Republicans and a call for stricter border policies. Meanwhile, the Biden administration seeks additional funding and immigration reform to address the challenges posed by the broken immigration system. The impact of the crisis extends beyond border communities, impacting cities and states across the country.
