Is the Biden Administration Incapable of Securing the U.S. Southern Border, or Reluctant to Do So?

The question of whether the Biden administration has failed to secure the U.S. southern border or if they are deliberately reluctant to do so is a complex one. This essay aims to explore the underlying factors, political dynamics, and evidence that shed light on this critical issue.

Republican Failure and Trump’s Misinformation

One argument often posited is that Republicans have failed to secure the southern border. This failure is attributed to their inability to pass bipartisan legislation, which would have strengthened border controls. Notable, however, is the fact that Republican leaders negotiated such legislation but then reneged, according to a desire to weaken the border despite having alternatives. This reflects a pattern of behavior that suggests a broader reluctance or inability to secure the border, not just a tactical or political maneuver.

ylvania Trump, the former president, is notorious for his tendency to spread misinformation. During his presidency, he claimed to have built a massive border wall, a claim that was quickly debunked by fact-checkers, who revealed that he had lied approximately 30,000 times. It appears that Trump’s failures and inaccuracies were not just the result of a lack of solutions but also a deliberate and consistent pattern of misinformation for political gain. This suggests a deeper issue than mere failure in securing the border.

Truman’s Lies and Intentional Deceit

Much of what Trump said or did can be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to deceive the public and his allies. His father once advised, “People allow others to lie and a person only lies if you let them.” During the debate period, Trump was fact-checked to be a prolific liar, which raises questions about his ability to perceive or tell the truth. If Trump truly cannot distinguish truth from falsehoods, it suggests a more fundamental issue of cognitive or moral incapacity rather than strategic deceit.

Given this, it is evident that the pattern of Trump’s actions and misinformation is not just about political strategy but reflects a broader malaise.

Historical Context and Persistent Issues

Border control issues are not unique to the Biden administration. As my father wisely stated, ‘For as long as I can recall, we have had issues at the border.’ This statement highlights the persistent nature of border security challenges, suggesting that any administration facing these issues is simply inheriting a complex and long-standing problem.

It is important to remember that federal officials have continually complained about immigration, yet no single administration has found a comprehensive solution to this multifaceted issue. While it is true that former President Trump inadequately addressed immigration in a humane and thoughtful manner, and his border policies were flawed and inhumane, it is also worth acknowledging that his predecessor, President Obama, and even his predecessors (GW Bush, Clinton, etc.) faced similar challenges and were unable to solve them entirely. This context underscores the enduring nature of the problem rather than any particular administration's incapacity.

Border control is not a "noble" pursuit in the sense that it provides job security. While corruption and political inaction can create job security for some, it is a disservice to the public and undermines the integrity of government.

Biden Administration's Actions

However, there are actions taken by the Biden administration to address these issues. Despite Republican obstructionism, the Biden administration has made notable efforts:

Implementing proactive measures to prevent migrants from receiving asylum when encounter volumes are high. Deploying unprecedented numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the border. Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at ports of entry, thereby reducing drug trafficking. Attacking the root causes of migrant flows by revoking visas of CEOs and government officials who profit from illegal immigration. Expanding enforcement efforts against human smuggling networks and increasing the prosecution of immigration law violators.

Despite these efforts, the Biden administration has faced significant challenges. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled House has often blocked any attempts to address the situation legally, inadvertently perpetuating the problem.

Such legislative gridlock has detracted from the overall effectiveness of border security measures. It also reflects a ideological divide that prioritizes systemic inaction over substantive solutions.

Conclusion

The question of whether the Biden administration is incapable or merely reluctant to secure the U.S. southern border is a matter that requires nuanced consideration. Political factors, historical precedents, and the broader challenge of immigration reform play significant roles. While the Biden administration has taken steps, Republican obstructionism and the broader political climate have undermined progress. Moving forward, achieving lasting border security requires a collaborative and thoughtful approach that prioritizes both enforcement and humane policies.