In an unprecedented move that signals the gravity of the ongoing immigration crisis, President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing an executive order to shut down the U.S. southern border if encounters reach a staggering 4,000-a-day benchmark. This potential executive order, first brought to light by the New York Post, echoes a similar provision that was included in an immigration bill that failed to pass the Senate in February. With public opinion of Biden’s handling of the border sinking deep underwater, the stakes are higher than ever, and both Congress and the White House find themselves at the center of a political storm that could reshape the future of immigration policy.
The defeated legislation would have granted the president a trigger authority to close the border in cases where encounters averaged 4,000 per day over the course of one week. More alarmingly, closure of the border would become mandatory if this average reached 5,000 daily encounters or if a single-day count skyrockets to an unimaginable 8,500. This looming showdown between the administration and lawmakers could change the conversation surrounding immigration policy and the nation’s stance on border management.
The White House consistently lays blame on Congress for the festering immigration crisis, arguing that the legality of closing the border hinges on congressional action. Meanwhile, Republicans vehemently oppose this stance, contending that the president already possesses the necessary authority to take decisive action regarding the border.
As illegal immigrants continue to flood into the country, public opinion on the president’s handling of the border crisis sharply declines. In fact, immigration stands as the second most important issue for voters in swing states, as revealed by a New York Times/Sienna poll released earlier this week. With approval of Biden’s performance on this critical issue barely surpassing 33% and a disapproval rating of around 63%, the president’s credibility on immigration appears to be facing a precarious situation.
This potential executive order draws attention to comments made by Jeh Johnson, who served as Homeland Security Secretary during the Obama administration, in 2019. At that time, he stated that a daily encounter average of 1,000 would already overwhelm Border Patrol, with 4,000 per day signalling an unquestionable “crisis.” Reflecting on his tenure, Johnson said: “On Tuesday, there were 4,000 apprehensions. I know that a thousand overwhelms the system. I cannot begin to imagine what 4,000 a day looks like, so we are truly in a crisis.”
As President Biden faces the stark reality of a failing immigration policy and mounting public distress, this potential executive order sparks urgent questions on the proper response to an escalating national crisis. Implementing a shutdown of the U.S. southern border could change the course of immigration reform and border management in ways that reverberate far into the future. With eyes on the president, Congress, and the undeniable border crisis, the nation holds its breath while waiting to see if the benchmark is crossed and the border is closed. The stakes have never been higher as the Biden administration faces a critical test of leadership with far-reaching consequences.
