The Democratic Party's Focus on Immigration and Border Security: A Comprehensive Analysis

Over the years, the Democratic Party has shifted its focus on immigration and border security, with a strong emphasis during the Obama Administration. While it was clear that immigration was a priority, it was often not the focal point of political discussions. It wasn't until the Trump Administration that immigration and border security gained significant media attention, fueling both fear and support across the political spectrum.

The Obama Administration and Immigration Policy

Back during the Obama Administration, there was a significant shift in the Democratic Party's stance towards immigration. The administration implemented numerous policies aimed at addressing the issue, but they were often overshadowed by other political priorities. A key aspect of the Obama-era strategy was the implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allowed undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children to remain in the country without fear of deportation.

While the Obama Administration was making strides, much of the funding for border security and infrastructure had been allocated during the George W. Bush era, though the funds were mostly expended after Obama took office. This period saw a significant increase in deportations, earning Obama the nickname 'Deporter-in-Chief.' However, these actions made sense in light of the country's economic climate and the lack of available jobs, which was particularly relevant during a recession.

The Objectives of the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party's primary objective was comprehensive immigration reform. They sought to address the legal and humanitarian issues surrounding undocumented immigrants while ensuring that the economy could absorb the influx of workers. However, the failure of Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform led the Obama Administration to take matters into its own hands, implementing the DACA program using an executive order. This move was made with the hope of achieving broader legislative reform.

Crucial Challenges and Political Realities

One of the most significant challenges faced by the Democratic Party was the rising number of immigrants making their way to the US. By December of the previous year, the influx of undocumented immigrants had become unsustainable. To address this issue, the Democratic Party supported a bipartisan bill that would limit asylum claims for those who did not enter through legal ports of entry. This bill also aimed to provide increased resources to the Border Patrol and allocated funding for immigration judges to clear the backlog of claims. However, this bill faced significant opposition from a segment of the Republican Party, which ultimately led to its failure.

The Biden Administration's Approach to Immigration and Border Security

The Biden Administration took a different approach, focusing on both legal and illegal immigration and border security. They understood the importance of adhering to the law, but also recognized the need to address the underlying humanitarian concerns. President Biden sought to work within the confines of the law, using executive actions to implement reforms that had previously failed in Congress.

One of the most significant actions taken by the Biden Administration was the use of executive orders to address immigration issues. For example, Biden encouraged Mexico to strengthen its border control, which is a much shorter border compared to the US-Mexico border. This initiative successfully reduced the number of immigrants crossing from Central America, cutting it in half. Additionally, the expansion of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to more individuals from failed states like Haiti and Venezuela allowed eligible immigrants to enter the US temporarily without the perilous journey to the southern border. These measures not only addressed immediate humanitarian concerns but also aimed to reduce the number of asylum applications from those who crossed through illegal routes.

Notably, while the last step taken by the Biden Administration—expanding TPS and reducing applications for illegal crossings—was done through executive order, it was highly contested. These actions were deemed dubious from a legal standpoint, as they were implemented without legislative means. However, the overall impact was significant, as the number of border encounters declined from 300,000 in December of the previous year to approximately 60,000 per month in the current period.

Conclusion

The Democratic Party's focus on immigration and border security has evolved over the years, reflecting both political priorities and practical realities. From the Obama Administration's DACA program to the controversial actions taken by the Biden Administration, the Democratic Party has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the complexities of immigration while navigating a politically and legally challenging landscape.