Biden’s Unexpected Border Wall Decision Shocks Supporters
This week, President Biden’s choice to resume border wall construction, a project many Democrats have previously criticized, left allies and immigration proponents taken aback.
The surprising pivot occurred shortly after key officials from the administration engaged in a Capitol-held immigration discussion that included members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and immigration activists. While the CHC had praised the administration for their participation in the discussion, there was no indication given about plans to recommence border wall construction.
Expressing their disillusionment, CHC leaders labeled the move as “disheartening.”
CHC Chairwoman, Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-Calif.), commented, “Despite the fact that the funding for this border wall was approved under President Trump’s and the Republican’s watch, this decision deviates from the present administration’s pledge to halt the wall’s construction. Republicans remain steadfast in their support for border walls, which are not only ineffective and costly but also harmful to the local environment. Such barriers put families and children fleeing perilous situations and looking for legal asylum in the U.S. at risk.”
On Wednesday, a notice was published on the Federal Register, allowing the wall construction in Starr County, Texas, using the funds earmarked for this purpose in 2019.
Explaining his stance, Biden stated on Thursday that his administration approved the construction waivers to fulfill a legal mandate regarding the utilization of those allocated funds.
Biden elaborated in the Oval Office, “Regarding the border wall: the funds were designated for the border wall. I made efforts to have those funds reassigned, but it was declined. The law stipulates that allocated funds be used for their intended purpose, and I can’t intervene in that.”
