Amid rising political tensions and unprecedented challenges, U.S. President Joe Biden stands firm against critiques of his immigration policy and his capability to serve if re-elected, given his age.

In a recent interview with Time Magazine, President Joe Biden countered claims that his border policies exacerbated migrant crossings and discussed his fitness to serve as an elderly president, Daily Mail reported.

Having taken presidential office in January 2021, President Biden ended key immigration constraints instituted by his predecessor, Donald Trump.

This included halting the construction of the southern border wall and terminating the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed in the U.S.

Biden's Decisive Actions on Day One

These initial moves aimed to reshape U.S. immigration policy, which Biden has consistently maintained was intended to foster a more humane and welcoming immigration system. However, Republicans argue that these policies have indirectly invited an escalation in illegal border crossings.

Accordingly, nearly 8 million undocumented migrants have crossed into the U.S. since Biden took office. This staggering number has turned immigration into a central issue as the nation approaches the presidential election in November.

Public Perception and Electoral Implications

Recent opinion polls reflect a growing concern among voters, even within his party, about Biden’s age. At 81, some believe his seniority may interfere with the rigorous demands of the presidency. Despite these concerns, Biden remains undeterred.

"I can do it better than anybody you know," Biden asserted confidently during the interview, countering skeptics by referring to his solid record in office: "Look, name me a president that's gotten as much done as I've gotten done in my first three and a half years."

Defiant in the Face of Doubt

When queried about the influence of his age on his decision to pursue another term, Biden’s response was a resolute "No, I didn’t." He emphasized his physical and mental fitness by playfully noting, "You're looking at me, I can take you too," an expression of his readiness to meet the challenges head-on.

Illegal crossings remain a hot-button topic, prompting Biden to contemplate a significant response. He is expected to issue an executive order to close the border should daily crossings surpass the threshold of 4,000, a measure he describes as critical to maintaining order and addressing the surge.

Strategic Moves Amidst Election Pressures

Republicans have criticized this proposed border closure, labeling it as nothing more than a political strategy to regain favor ahead of the impending elections.

They argue that such actions contradict the administration's earlier moves to soften U.S. border policies, thus highlighting a perceived inconsistency in Biden's stance on immigration.

Furthermore, Biden has resisted any inclination to reinstate Trump’s "Remain in Mexico" program, underscoring his commitment to the changes he has already enacted.

During the discourse, Biden regretted the delay in revoking Trump-era directives, admitting, "If I was calling myself wrong, it's because I took too long."

Policy Decisions in the Election Spotlight

The ongoing debate over border security and immigration policy is shaping up to be a significant factor in the upcoming election.

Each Biden decision and statement is scrutinized for indications of his future policy direction and to gauge how these might influence the electorate’s sentiment, especially in states heavily impacted by immigration issues.

Biden’s assertiveness in the interview reflects his administration’s tough stance on maintaining rigorous governance and a humane approach to immigration amidst an environment filled with political and personal challenges.

Conclusion

To summarize, President Biden defended his administration's immigration policies and his physical capability to continue leading the nation amidst significant scrutiny and political opposition. He emphasized readiness to address spikes in border crossings with firm measures and denied that his policies have significantly worsened the situation. As the election draws near, his leadership and policies remain central themes in national discourse.