Jake Auchincloss, a congressman, recently discussed the State of the Union address and a particular moment that has sparked controversy among his progressive colleagues. The discussion revolved around President Biden's use of the term 'illegals' to refer to individuals who enter the country illegally. The President used this term while highlighting a tragic incident involving the death of a young woman at the hands of an undocumented immigrant.
During the conversation, Auchincloss emphasized that the President was leveraging his empathy to connect with the American people on a pressing issue - border security. He pointed out that the border currently faces challenges in terms of security and highlighted two contrasting approaches to address the issue.
One approach, supported by Republicans, aimed to defund shelter and services programs that assist states dealing with the migrant crisis. This approach also sought to deny work authorizations to Ukrainian immigrants. In contrast, a bipartisan effort to enhance border security measures was thwarted by former President Trump.
Auchincloss underscored that President Biden's message was a call for bipartisan collaboration to secure the border effectively. When asked about supporting executive orders, Auchincloss acknowledged the President's use of executive orders, such as granting temporary parole status to immigrants from countries like Haiti, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
However, Auchincloss emphasized the need for congressional action, stating that the President requires legislative support to address border security comprehensively. He highlighted the importance of providing authorities to enhance border security between ports of entry and to streamline due process at these entry points.
In conclusion, Auchincloss reiterated the necessity of bipartisan efforts and congressional action to address the challenges at the border effectively. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to secure the border and integrate immigrants into American society while contributing to the economy.
