In his campaign, President Joe Biden strongly opposed the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border, a measure that his predecessor had advocated as a significant deterrent against unauthorized border crossings.
In a statement, Biden dismissed the idea of a wall as "not a serious policy solution."
Biden Expands Border Wall
In the face of a significant increase in migrants this year and growing criticism, including from certain political allies, the Biden administration has shifted its stance on the expansion of the wall.
According to NY Times, the Biden administration announced on Thursday its intention to waive over 20 federal laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the environment, in order to construct additional barriers along the Southern border.
Biden now finds himself involved in the construction of a border wall, a key objective of the Trump administration. However, it is important to note that he continues to assert that these barriers are ineffective in addressing the issue of unlawful entry from Mexico.
The former vice president expressed his views on the issue of border security in the United States. He acknowledged the importance of having measures in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the nation's borders. However, he emphasized that constructing a border wall is not the ideal solution for achieving the desired level of border security.
During an interview in August 2020,Biden made a statement to journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He expressed his stance on the existing border barriers implemented by the Trump administration, stating that he would not dismantle them. However, Biden did commit to halting any further construction of such barriers.
In an interview with NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro, President Biden made a clear statement, asserting that no additional wall would be built during his administration.
In a statement, the individual highlighted that their border protection policy would prioritize the utilization of their administration's "high-tech capacity" to address concerns specifically at ports of entry. In 2019, Vice President Kamala Harris, following her announcement to run for president, criticized former President Trump's proposed border wall, labeling it as a "medieval vanity project."
In a firm statement, Harris expressed her stance on the matter, emphasizing that she will not support the construction of a wall under any circumstances. However, she did clarify that she does support the implementation of effective border security measures.
In light of assertions made by multiple members of the Biden administration regarding the security of the border, there is now a pressing demand for the construction of a border wall.In a statement made during the Aspen Security Forum held in July 2022, Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, asserted that the southern border is "secure."
This declaration came amidst reports from Border Patrol agents who revealed that they were grappling with an unprecedented influx of migrants. In a confident tone, he declared, "The border is secure."
The authorities are currently engaged in efforts to enhance the security of the border. This has proven to be a historic challenge. Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, reiterated his position on the current state of border security during his testimony in Congress and in various television interviews.
In September 2021, during an interview with Fox News, he expressed the administration's disagreement with the construction of a wall. During an interview with "60 Minutes" in April, Mayorkas made a statement regarding the border.
He emphasized that the president's stance is clear: there will be no further investment in the construction of an expensive and stationary wall. In a statement made during the same month, Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, expressed his unwavering support for the administration's choice to halt the construction of the wall.
Vice President Kamala Harris, also known as the "border czar," echoed similar sentiments regarding the issue of migration into the United States. Harris emphasized her commitment to tackling the underlying causes that drive individuals to seek refuge within the country.
From the White House podium, numerous strong oppositions to the construction of a border wall have been voiced. In April 2022, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki made two statements regarding the government's investment in a border wall, emphasizing its ineffectiveness.
According to Psaki, the government had spent years allocating resources towards a border wall that was deemed faulty and ultimately incapable of achieving its intended purpose.
Biden Administration Maintains Stance Againt Border Wall's Effectiveness
Meanwhile, Karine Jean-Pierre, the current White House press secretary, expressed her longstanding criticism of the idea of constructing a border wall as an effective means to deter illegal migration. Jean-Pierre expressed her opinion that President Trump was "holding the nation hostage" with his proposed "bigoted, racist border wall."
In a statement, she proceeded to assert that Democrats should not yield to what she referred to as President Trump's "unsuccessful policy."
In a May press conference, Jean-Pierre addressed the White House press corps, expressing concerns about the potential wastage of taxpayer dollars due to what he referred to as a "ineffective wall." In addition, she asserted that the wall was incapable of enduring strong winds, much less withstanding the challenges posed by "sophisticated criminal networks."
In both 2022 and 2021, she had made comments regarding the border wall. During her temporary role as a substitute for Psaki in October 2021, Jean-Pierre referenced the opinions of experts who assert that a border wall is an ineffective policy.
In July, Jean-Pierre made a statement regarding the administration's stance on the wall, stating that they would not be completing its construction. Instead, their focus was directed towards addressing the challenges and issues that were inherited from the previous leadership.
On Thursday, Jean-Pierre found herself fielding a barrage of inquiries regarding the choice to recommence the border wall construction process. According to her statement, she highlighted that Biden has consistently maintained his belief that border walls are ineffective.
Additionally, she mentioned that they were obligated by law to adhere to the directive of constructing barriers. In addition, the individual stated that Congress has declined President Biden's request to reallocate the funds designated for the border wall.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that a waiver has been granted for barrier projects that were previously announced in June. This waiver specifically pertains to approximately 17 miles of land in Starr County.
According to the spokesperson, the project aligns with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) objective to carry out President Biden's proclamation on January 20, 2021. The proclamation aimed to cease the allocation of funds from military projects or other sources for border wall construction.
Instead, it emphasized the utilization of funds appropriated by Congress for barrier construction in accordance with their intended purpose. The CBP has expressed its dedication to safeguarding the country's cultural and natural resources. As part of the project covered by this waiver, the CBP will be incorporating environmentally responsible practices.
In a persistent plea, the Biden administration has urged Congress to cancel funds allocated for "border barrier projects" and redirect them towards "modern, effective border management measures."
In a recent White House fact sheet released in June 2021, the Biden administration made allegations regarding the actions of former President Trump and his cabinet in relation to border wall funds. According to the fact sheet, the administration claimed that critical resources were diverted and attention was shifted away from the issues of drug smuggling and human trafficking.
