In a recent interview, former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson expressed his concerns about the overwhelming situation at the border and offered suggestions for the Biden administration to tackle the crisis.
According to Johnson, the current influx of migrants arriving at the border is unsustainable, with approximately 10,000 to 12,000 people entering the country each day. He emphasized that this situation is not only straining the resources of Border Patrol and border communities but also affecting the interior, such as cities like New York and Chicago.
Describing the situation as a crisis, Johnson recommended that the Biden administration address the issue head-on by acknowledging the problem and assuring the American public that they are working diligently to find effective solutions. He stressed the need for additional authorities and emergency measures, in collaboration with Congress, to swiftly handle the increasing numbers of migrants while maintaining fairness and humanity.
One suggestion offered by Johnson was to raise the standards for asylum applications at the entry point, potentially decreasing the number of individuals eligible for asylum. Additionally, he proposed considering the implementation of emergency measures, such as Title 42, to efficiently manage the high volume of arrivals.
In Johnson's view, it is crucial for President Biden to directly address the American public, acknowledging the severity of the situation and reassuring them that his administration is actively working on resolving the crisis. This would include collaboration with Republicans in Congress to find common ground and take necessary actions.
The former Homeland Security Secretary also emphasized the importance of remaining consistent with American values throughout the process of addressing the border crisis. While seeking to improve efficiency in removing individuals who do not qualify for entry, he underlined the significance of maintaining fairness and treating people humanely.
The exhortation from Jeh Johnson highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive response to the border challenge. As the Biden administration grapples with this complex issue, it is clear that a strategic and compassionate approach is necessary to address the overwhelming influx of migrants while upholding America's core values.
The American public, along with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, eagerly awaits the administration's concrete plans and actions in response to this pressing crisis.
