Biden's former press secretary, Jen Psaki, revealed that immigration is the president's major 'political vulnerability.'

According to Daily Mail, the President announced his first executive action to reduce unlawful migrant crossings after a poll showed immigration as the top voter concern for the third consecutive month.

This move comes amid mounting voter concerns over immigration and Biden's perceived effectiveness compared to former President Donald Trump.

Spike in Border Crossings Calls for Executive Action

On Tuesday, President Biden announced a new measure to control the flow of migrants across the southern U.S. border.

This action responds to consistent polling data suggesting immigration is a top concern for voters. A Gallup poll indicated it as the primary concern for three consecutive months.

This executive order temporarily suspends non-citizen entries through the southern border if the average daily crossings exceed 2,500 over one week. The suspension will remain until the number falls below an average of 1,500 daily crossings for a consecutive 21-day period.

The urgency of this measure is underscored by the 2023 statistics, where 2.5 million illegal border crossings were recorded, peaking at 302,000 in December alone. Despite a recent reduction, numbers continue to exceed the thresholds set for the new crackdown, with reports of 3,500 crossings as recently as last Monday.

Comparison to Trump's Policies and Current Challenges

President Biden has sharply reversed many of his predecessor’s policies since taking office, eliminating 94 of Trump's executive actions on border control.

However, his decision to invoke section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act—a strategy previously employed by Trump to controversially block refugees from Muslim-majority countries—has drawn significant scrutiny and promises of legal challenges from organizations like the ACLU.

The constitutional concerns over this action stem primarily from its potential to prevent migrants from lawfully seeking asylum. Critics argue this could contradict established rights under U.S. and international law, signaling a likely legal battle ahead.

Political Implications of Immigration Policies

In the context of a stagnant legislative environment where a comprehensive border bill could not pass, Biden felt compelled to act. His administration’s response follows a breakdown in bipartisan negotiations, marred by disputes that scuttled any potential agreements.

Former Press Secretary Jen Psaki underscored the necessity of the executive order, noting on MSNBC's Morning Joe, “Politically, this is one of the biggest vulnerabilities.”

Psaki elaborated that the political necessity became clear when a proposed bipartisan deal fell apart, ostensibly at Trump’s behest.

Public Opinion and Electoral Calculations

According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, 56% of voters expressed a desire for the government to deport most or all undocumented migrants.

This statistic underscores the electoral risks for Biden, with Donald Trump leading him by 17 points on managing immigration, as per another poll.

The political stakes are high, with Jen Psaki commenting on the strategic aspects of these measures just before the electoral season, emphasizing that “Regardless of who’s mad about the details...it’s a political vulnerability for the president and his campaign.”

Looking Forward: Impacts and Expectations

As the policy unfolds, key dimensions will likely include the effectiveness of the temporary suspension in reducing illegal crossings, the outcome of impending legal challenges, and the broader political repercussions as the 2024 election approaches. Biden's move could potentially reshape public and political narratives around immigration, a divisive issue that continues to influence American politics.

In conclusion, President Biden's executive order represents a strategic, albeit controversial, response to persistent concerns over immigration. Coupled with legal and political challenges, the administration navigates a complex landscape as it seeks to balance enforcement with electoral considerations.