South
Biden order to block most illegal immigrants when crossings surge, as election nears
The White House on Tuesday announced long-awaited executive actions to stop illegal immigrants at the southern border claiming asylum if crossings reach a certain level — a move coming just months before the November election and that could soon see a legal challenge from activists.
“Today I’m moving past Republican obstruction and using executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border,” President Biden said in a speech on Tuesday afternoon, accusing Republicans of refusing to secure the border.
Biden is issuing a presidential proclamation that will temporarily suspend the entry of non-citizens across the southern border once the number of average border encounters exceeds 2,500 a day over seven days, officials said. That will stay in effect until 14 days after there has been a seven-day average of less than 1,500 encounters along the border. Officials said it would make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S.
In the last 24 hours at the border, sources tell Fox there were 5,200 encounters, and it has averaged over 5,000 every day for the past week. There were 179,725 encounters at the southern border in April, compared to 211,992 in April 2023, and 189,357 in March. While those numbers are lower than highs seen in 2022 and 2023, they still remain high compared to pre-2021 numbers.
BIDEN EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE BORDER ACTIONS AS POLITICAL HEAT INTENSIFIES AHEAD OF NOVEMBER ELECTION
President Biden has called for more congressional action on illegal immigration and the border crisis. (Biden photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images, Migrant caravan photo by Jose Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In doing so, Biden is drawing upon authorities under 212(f) and 215(a)of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) which allows presidents to suspend entry of certain categories of foreign nationals. The Trump administration used 212 (f) on a number of occasions, including for the travel ban from certain countries, but it was blocked by a legal challenge from applying it to the southern border. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said on Tuesday that it intends to launch a legal challenge against the moves announced by Biden.
The order includes a number of exceptions for those coming across the border. It will not apply to visa holders, unaccompanied children, victims of a “severe form” of trafficking, as well as those who face an acute medical emergency or an imminent threat to life or safety. It also does not apply to those seeking entry to the U.S. via ports of entry using the CBP One app — of which around 1,500 migrants are allowed in each day.
It is expected to take place immediately, and will be accompanied by a joint rule restricting asylum eligibility during high border encounters that will be issued by the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
It marks a significant move toward the right from the Biden administration. In 2021 the administration rolled back a series of Trump-era border protections, which critics say encouraged the historic migrant numbers that followed. There have been over 7 million migrant crossings during Biden’s time in office.
Biden on Tuesday attempted to cast his new order in the light of defending immigration to the U.S. more broadly.
“To protect America as a land that welcomes immigrants, we must first secure the border and secure it now,” he said. “Simple truth is there is a worldwide migrant crisis and if the United States doesn’t secure our border, there’s no limit to the number of people who might try to come here, because there’s no better place on the planet than the United State of America.”
The administration says it is dealing with a hemisphere-wide challenge that needs congressional action to provide funding and fix what it says is a “broken immigration system.” The White House has said that this action comes now after Republicans have rejected other attempts at congressional actions, including a bipartisan Senate bill that would have implemented a similar limiting mechanism as well as providing additional funding.
“The presidential proclamation, together with the interim final rule, is another important step in our more than three years of ongoing efforts to strengthen our ability to impose consequences on those who cross our southern border,” a senior administration official told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the announcement.
FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS SAY THE US-MEXICO BORDER IS A BIG PROBLEM
“But we are clear eyed that today’s executive actions are no substitute for Congress taking up and passing the tough but fair bipartisan Senate bill, which would have significantly strengthened the consequences in place at the border and, equally important, have provided billions of dollars to support the men and women who are working on the front lines to secure our border,” they said.
While Republicans have previously urged the administration to use 212(f) to stop illegal crossings, ahead of the announcement lawmakers were unimpressed and called it a move that was too little, too late.
“By my count, he’s issued 94 executive orders since he’s been president for the United States. But he’s waited until today to actually do what he calls effective action on the border,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said at a press conference. “And my question to him is, why did you wait until now if you were serious about doing it? The simple answer is he’s not serious about securing the border.“
Other lawmakers claimed it was a cynical move just months out from an election in which Biden is struggling due to his handling of border security. A recent Fox News poll found that seven in 10 voters go so far as to say the White House has “mostly failed” at improving border security.
MAYORKAS SAYS SOME MIGRANTS ‘TRY TO GAME’ ASYLUM SYSTEM, AS BORDER REMAINS TOP POLITICAL ISSUE
Dec. 18, 2023: Migrants flood into Eagle Pass, Texas, waiting to be processed. (Fox News)
“It’s a little late, you can’t make this cat walk backwards,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who described Biden as “polling right up there with fungal infections.”
The move comes with Biden facing intense political pressure on the crisis from both the left and the right.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE BORDER SECURITY CRISIS
Mayors of cities like New York City, Denver and Chicago have demanded more funding from the federal government and have called for additional action, including expedited work permits. Recently, 15 House Democrats wrote to Biden calling on him to take additional action at the southern border.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“It has become clear that the current situation remains untenable, but with Republicans playing politics on border security, it is time for your administration to act. We urge you to use all tools at your disposal, including executive action, to better address security at the Southern border, interdict illicit fentanyl and allow for orderly legal immigration,” the letter said.
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Florida
Supreme Court tosses Florida lawsuit against states for driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out a long-shot lawsuit in which Florida sought to sue California and Washington for allegedly allowing people who entered the country illegally to obtain commercial truck driver’s licenses.
Florida’s claim was filed in the aftermath of a high-profile crash in the state last year in which a truck driven by an Indian man, Harjinder Singh, was involved in an accident that left three people dead. The state, which says Singh did not have legal status in the United States, alleges he was wrongly issued licenses in both California and Washington. Singh faces criminal charges over the incident.
The court denied the state’s appeal without comment.
Tune in to Here’s the Scoop’s special Supreme Court Edition, where Senior Legal Correspondent Laura Jarrett goes deep on major cases.
Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a separate opinion saying he would have heard the case. He was joined by fellow conservative Justice Samuel Alito.
“This court declines to even hear Florida’s claims, even though it has nowhere else to bring them,” Thomas wrote.
The unusual case saw Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, file a claim directly at the Supreme Court instead of a lower state or federal court. The court can sometimes intervene in such disputes between states, but it rarely does so.
The lawsuit alleged that the Democratic-led states’ “open defiance” of federal immigration laws has led them to flout federal safety regulations. This has resulted in drivers obtaining licenses without “proper training or the ability to read road signs.” Those drivers cross state lines and are therefore threatening the safety of people in Florida and other states, the lawsuit says. Iowa and 16 other states filed a brief backing Florida.
Lawyers for California and Washington argued in response that there was no basis for the Supreme Court to take up the issue.
Washington Attorney General Nicholas Brown wrote in his brief that the lawsuit was a “political stunt, not a real claim,” noting that Uthmeier announced he was filing it during an appearance on conservative Fox News host Sean Hannity’s show.
Uthmeier, who is currently running for a full term after being appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last year, has frequently leaned in on divisive conservative causes.
The Florida crash sparked a new political fight over illegal immigration as the Trump administration implements a hard-line immigration policy. In the aftermath of the incident, the administration threatened to cut off federal funds from California, Washington and New Mexico if they did not implement English language requirements for commercial drivers.
World Kindness Week: Tiny dog helps lonely elderly man find happiness
In Melbourne, Australia, Prinnie the pup transformed John’s lonely days at a nursing home, bringing him lots of joy and love from around the world.
Almost 16% of Georgians are at least 65 years old. It’s important that this age group stays fit, with plenty of resources to do so. WorldAtlas has a list of the eight liveliest towns in the Peach State to help them out:
Peachtree City
“Golf lovers will enjoy Peachtree City, where 135 holes of championship golf are spread across five clubs, both in town and in neighboring Newnan. … Battery Way Park and Boat Ramp sit along the East Lagoon at the east end of the lake. Here, residents launch off from the boat ramp and spend a day fishing, ideal for those whose idea of keeping on the go means being on the water. Northeast of the lake, the Glenloch Recreation Complex offers soccer fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, and exercise studios.”
Valdosta
“The city of Valdosta makes it easy to remain active thanks to the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. … The tower is a hotspot for birdwatchers. … Fifth Day Farms offers a change of pace that keeps you outdoors while surrounded by wildlife. … However, if you want to stay closer to the heart of town, McKey Park is a popular green space that houses the Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center. … The surrounding park also includes a sand volleyball court and walking paths.”
Thomasville
“Known as the ‘City of Roses,’ downtown Thomasville hosts the annual Rose Show and Festival. … Events include an artisan market, antique car show, parade, and, of course, a flower show. … The heart of town is characterized by its Victorian-era buildings, many of which have stood for over a century. Among these, The Bookshelf is a popular local bookstore where you can select your newest read. … Afterward, you can wander around and explore plenty of other hot spots, including the Thomasville History Center.”
Dahlonega
“Seniors who find peace in the great outdoors will appreciate Dahlonega, a mountain town south of Lake Zwerner. Residents are welcome to walk the lake or launch from the boat ramp for a day of fishing. … Those looking to learn more about the town’s history can explore the Consolidated Gold Mining Company through its underground gold mine tour. … Dahlonega also hosts events, including the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, which gives locals a chance to celebrate Appalachian culture.”
St. Mary’s
“Outdoors-loving seniors will appreciate St. Mary’s, known as the gateway to adjacent Cumberland Island. Walks across the island take you along the Marsh Boardwalk and near the Ice House Museum. … You will also see the Dungeness Ruins, a former 59-room Queen Anne mansion with many of its walls still standing. If you prefer not to visit the island, you can spend time at St. Mary’s Waterfront Park. … Along the way, you can enjoy sights of the St. Mary’s River or even set out on the water from the boat launch. For those who would enjoy getting to know the town better, you can head out on the St. Mary’s History Walk.”
Woodstock
“Seniors stay engaged and occupied in Woodstock, thanks in large part to its walkable downtown, which is packed with activities. For those simply trying to stay out for the day, The Park at City Center features paths winding around the gazebo and fountain, both of which are notable landmarks. … The park is adjacent to the Woodstock Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Currently regarded as (n)orth Georgia’s best outdoor music venue, the amphitheater hosts the annual Woodstock Summer Concert Series that brings together musical acts from pop to rhythm and blues.”
Adairsville
“Those who want to get out under the sun can head to Manning Mill Park. This local favorite boasts a 5-acre lake where residents can take a stroll. Also, it includes a baseball field, plus basketball and tennis courts for seniors. Historic Downtown is also an easy way to get your steps in as you walk past 19th-century storefronts. The Little Rock Cafe on the north side of the district offers simple home-style Southern food, including catfish and fried taters. One of the liveliest events of the year is the Great Locomotive Festival, an annual event that has taken place for nearly 60 years.”
Decatur
“DeVry University sits in the heart of town just next to the DeKalb History Center Museum. This spot in Decatur Square includes highlights such as the John Lewis Statue, a tribute to the civil rights icon and congressman. While you are here, you can step into the DeKalb museum itself to learn about our country’s past. … Just across the street, you can pop into Foxtail Coffee for blueberry muffin chai or an espresso. Afterward, you can walk through the many stores in the area, for example, HomeGrown Decatur, a gift shop that focuses on handmade artwork.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
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