Front-line House Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to take action on the surge of illegal immigrants at the southern border through executive orders as Republicans use the issue for political gain ahead of the 2024 election.
A group of 14 House Democrats, led by Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), sent a letter to the president calling for him to use all available tools to address security and fentanyl trafficking to allow for orderly legal immigration. These Democrats, many of whom are in competitive districts, criticized House Republicans for obstructing immigration reform and politicizing the issue for their campaigns.
The letter emphasized the need for bipartisan immigration reform that strengthens border enforcement while providing a path to citizenship for long-term residents. Members including Reps. Mike Levin, Sharice Davids, and Susan Wild signed the letter in support.
The Democrats highlighted the refusal of House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring bipartisan border security bills for debate, accusing Republicans of using the crisis as a campaign ad rather than addressing national security concerns.
One of the signatories, Rep. Pat Ryan, condemned Republican inaction at the border, calling on President Biden to intervene and secure the border, address fentanyl trafficking, and provide pathways to citizenship.
The Truth Voices reached out to the White House for comment on potential executive actions related to border security, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre indicating no new announcements at the moment.
President Biden has issued numerous executive actions on immigration during his first year in office, surpassing the number issued by former President Donald Trump in his first year.
