The Obama and Biden Administrations' Stance on Illegal Immigration: A Critical Analysis
During the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, illegal immigration has been a contentious issue, with policies aimed at both addressing the fundamental causes and managing the consequence of immigration influxes. This article critically examines the actions taken by both administrations and evaluates their effectiveness in curbing illegal immigration.
Obama's Administration
President Obama's approach to illegal immigration was characterized by a focus on addressing the root causes of migration from South America. Through the development and implementation of programs aimed at improving conditions in the home countries of immigrants, the Obama administration sought to reduce the number of people leaving their countries for the United States. One of the key initiatives was the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which aimed to improve healthcare and economic conditions in these regions.
Despite these efforts, the situation at the southern border did not improve much. In fact, the repeal of certain immigration programs by the subsequent Trump administration led to an increase in illegal immigration. Additionally, the Obama administration faced internal challenges, including policies proposed by Raul Casady, a lawyer for La Raza, and a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) head, Alejandro Mayorkas, who instructed adjudicators to approve any and all applications, regardless of legal restrictions.
Secretary Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security under Obama, was often criticized for implementing policies that were seen as problematic. Her staff, including individuals like Jose Jimenez, attempted to place immigration officers in detention centers as detainees to “understand what they deal with." Moreover, efforts to turn detention centers into “honor ranches" violated established detention standards and the INA.
The Obama administration also played a key role in enabling the rise of “sanctuary cities" by undermining state and local agreements with DHS on immigration law enforcement. This led to a significant compromise in public safety, as many conservative and liberal jurisdictions resisted federal authorities, citing humanitarian concerns and legal obligations.
Biden's Administration
Upon taking office, Vice President Biden had high expectations set by the previous administrations and public sentiment. However, his administration has found itself constrained by the same inadequate federal laws and underfunded border staff. The immigration system remains overwhelmed, making it difficult to manage illegal crossings effectively.
Like his predecessor, Biden has had to contend with the same challenges, including the chaotic "catch and release" policy. This policy has been in place since the Obama era but has become more pronounced during his administration. The emphasis seems to be on the Cloward-Piven Strategy rather than homeland security. This strategy, which aims to overload the system and cause it to collapse, has been a controversial topic within political circles.
Conclusion and Reflections
Both the Obama and Biden administrations have made efforts to address illegal immigration through a combination of policy changes and humanitarian measures. However, the underlying systemic issues persist. The lack of effective federal policies and funding for border control have been central to these challenges. Critical reviews of these policies show that while intentions may have been good, execution has often fallen short.
It is essential for future administrations to acknowledge these systemic issues and develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions that address both the causes and consequences of illegal immigration. In the meantime, the focus remains on managing the situation with the tools and resources available, while continuously striving for better outcomes.