Biden loosens immigration restrictions ahead second Trump term: ‘last-ditch effort’
The Biden administration recently announced plans to loosen some key immigration restrictions, a move that comes just ahead of President-elect Trump’s second term. This decision is expected to open the door for thousands more illegal immigrants to enter the country.
President Trump had previously indicated that he might declare a national emergency and utilize military assets to carry out mass deportations. However, the Biden administration is taking steps to counter Trump’s plans for the border. The Department of Homeland Security under the Biden administration is set to launch an ICE Portal app in December. This app will allow migrants to check in with immigration officials via their phone or computer, eliminating the need for in-person check-ins at ICE offices.
Reports suggest that the ICE Portal app has encountered severe glitching issues and does not accurately track a migrant’s location if they are using an Android phone or laptop. Additionally, the app does not conduct checks for past arrests or outstanding warrants, and it allows migrants to opt out of or contest government orders for electronic tracking.
It is estimated that up to 100,000 migrants will be enrolled in the new program’s initial phase. This announcement comes on the heels of the Biden administration setting a record for the highest number of illegal migrants entering the country in a single year in 2023, with 3.2 million entries surpassing the previous record of 2.7 million.
Cities like New York have been significantly impacted by this surge in illegal immigration, with over 223,000 migrants arriving in the city since spring 2022. As a sanctuary city, New York spent $3.7 billion in housing, food, and other costs in the 2024 fiscal year alone.
Republican New York City council member Joe Borelli expressed disappointment at the Biden administration’s actions, stating that many had hoped the crisis would wind down with a second Trump presidency. He criticized the administration’s decision as a last-ditch effort to undermine the will of the people who voted against sanctuary city policies and unrestrained illegal immigration.
Congressman Mike Lawler, representing suburban New York District 17, also condemned the administration’s decision to further loosen restrictions, especially coming right after the murder trial of Laken Reilly’s killer. He described the move as defying logic and common sense, particularly in light of recent events.
As the Biden administration continues to make changes to immigration policies, the debate over border security and immigration reform remains a contentious issue. It is crucial for policymakers to strike a balance between maintaining national security and upholding humanitarian values in addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
