Immigration and border security continue to be top concerns among American voters as they head to the polls. Recent polls and conversations with voters have highlighted the widespread worry over the broken immigration system and the influx of migrants crossing the border. Brandon Judd, the president of the National Border Patrol Council, emphasizes that the numbers are staggering, with an estimated 860,000 apprehensions expected in fiscal year 2023 compared to 389,000 in 2021.
In response to this ongoing crisis, Vice President Kamala Harris blames Republicans for politicizing the issue. She points out that the Biden administration proposed a bill to fix the immigration system, including creating a pathway to citizenship and allocating resources to border security. However, Republicans argue that amnesty and pathways to citizenship will only encourage more illegal immigration.
Judd echoes this sentiment, stating that discussing amnesty or citizenship without addressing border security measures will only incentivize further illegal immigration. He cites the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act as a cautionary example, where enforcement measures were not prioritized, leading to a lack of congressional approval and ongoing issues.
During discussions about diplomatic efforts with Mexico to address the border crisis, Judd expresses skepticism about achieving any substantial results. He notes that the Biden administration is not approaching Mexico from a position of strength like former President Trump did. Judd suggests that forceful measures may be necessary to encourage Mexico to provide the required resources and implement effective policies.
Judd highlights the limited time remaining in Mexico's president's term, making it unlikely that he would be motivated to collaborate on a long-term solution. Furthermore, he mentions the influence of cartels, which bring billions of dollars to Mexico's economy. The cartels may pressure the Mexican government against taking actions that could disrupt their operations.
While Judd acknowledges the importance of passing laws to address the immigration crisis, he emphasizes that concessions made during negotiations could unintentionally encourage more illegal immigration. He calls on President Biden to use his executive authority to take immediate action and secure the border.
The concerns surrounding immigration and border security have played a significant role in New Hampshire's recent election. Voters understand the need for a leader who will prioritize border security and take necessary actions to address the ongoing crisis. The turnout in the election has been substantial, demonstrating the urgency and importance of this issue to the American people.
In conclusion, immigration and border security remain pressing concerns for American voters, reflecting their desire for effective policies and enforcement measures to address the broken immigration system and secure the border.
