The ongoing crisis at the southern border of the United States continues to be a cause for concern. Republican Congressman Pat Fallon from Texas, who serves on the Armed Services and Oversight Committees, has called for bipartisan cooperation to address the issue. Fallon believes that the alarming increase in migrant crossings in recent years necessitates immediate action. He cites data that shows a significant surge in illegal encounters, with almost 8 million occurring during President Joe Biden's first 34 months in office, compared to around 1.5 million during the same period under former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
Fallon recently visited the border and consulted with Border Patrol agents to gain first-hand knowledge of the situation. According to these agents, the reinstatement of the 'Wait Mexico' policy would be a crucial step in reducing the number of crossings. This policy would require migrants seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while their cases are being adjudicated. The agents claim that implementing this single measure could potentially lead to a 70% decrease in crossings. Fallon expresses his disappointment that President Biden has not yet taken this action, especially considering his wide executive authority to do so.
Furthermore, Fallon highlights the political consequences of the border crisis. He asserts that if the situation is not effectively addressed, President Biden and the Democratic Party may suffer at the polls in the upcoming election. Many residents along the southern border, predominantly of Hispanic descent, have reportedly begun shifting their political allegiance from the Democrats to the Republican Party. Fallon emphasizes the need for swift action to prevent further political repercussions.
When discussing potential opposition to his proposed measures, Fallon acknowledges that the far left and some progressive factions may criticize President Biden for enacting stricter border policies. Nevertheless, he argues that the administration must prioritize the well-being and security of the country over political considerations. Fallon suggests that the recent increase in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list, as well as the rising number of Chinese and Russian nationals crossing the border, further underscore the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Regarding President Biden's response to Republican proposals, Fallon rejects the notion that the Republicans want to exploit the border crisis for political gain. He argues that the focus should be on finding practical solutions. Fallon urges the administration to consider policy changes such as implementing E-Verify, redefining credible fear, constructing additional walls and barriers, and expediting removal processes. These measures, he believes, would discourage future migrants from making dangerous journeys to the United States and alleviate the strain on border resources.
As the border crisis continues to dominate headlines, it remains to be seen whether Republican and Democratic lawmakers can set aside their differences and collaborate to find a lasting solution. The urgency to address the current challenges and prevent further escalation is paramount for the security and stability of the United States.
