The presidential election is fast approaching, and some politicians are questioning the motives behind President Biden’s recent immigration moves. In the past two weeks, the president has announced two major executive orders related to immigration. The first order limits the number of asylum seekers who can apply if daily numbers exceed 2,500, allowing them to reapply once daily averages decrease. The second order creates a possible pathway to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants, including spouses of US citizens and DACA recipients.
As the first presidential debate nears, UC San Diego political science professor Thad Kousser explains President Biden’s strategy. According to Kousser, Biden is trying to please both constituents by addressing the influx at the border while also providing pathways to citizenship for those already in the community. Some critics believe these orders are a last-minute political move by the president, but Kousser clarifies that executive orders take time to be drafted and implemented.
Kousser acknowledges that these executive orders bring immigration, one of former President Trump’s signature issues, back into the spotlight. There are concerns that elevating the profile of immigration as a political issue could benefit Donald Trump, as his approach is preferred by many supporters and independents. Both executive orders are expected to face legal challenges, with former President Trump predicting that Biden’s plan will be thrown out on his first day in office.
