House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed strong skepticism about President Joe Biden‘s anticipated executive order on immigration, labeling it as “too little, too late.” During his appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” the Louisiana Republican accused Biden of attempting to address an issue that he believes the President himself created.
Border Crossings and Executive Actions
Although recent months have seen a decline in border crossings, President Biden is expected to sign an executive order aimed at improving current processes at the southern border. A persistent issue remains that individuals arriving at the border can request asylum, initiating a process that typically allows them to enter the United States while awaiting adjudication.
Johnson criticized Biden’s motives for the anticipated executive action, suggesting that the move is politically driven. “The only reason he’s doing that is because the polls say that it’s the biggest issue in America. Every state’s a border state,” he said, echoing a common Republican sentiment on the 2024 campaign trail.
Legislative Efforts Stalled
Efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform have repeatedly stalled in Congress, including during Johnson’s tenure as Speaker. Earlier this year, a bipartisan Senate plan crafted by Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) failed after former President Donald Trump strongly opposed it.
Johnson’s Changing Stance on Executive Orders
Interestingly, Johnson had previously advocated for executive actions to address immigration. In December 2023, he urged Biden to use his executive authority to slow the flow of migrants. In a letter dated December 21, Johnson wrote, “I urge you to immediately take executive actions available to you under existing laws to stem the record tide of illegal immigration.”
However, by February, Johnson’s tone had shifted. He dismissed potential executive actions from Biden as an election-year gimmick. “The president suddenly seems interested in trying to make a change using the legal authority that he claimed until recently didn’t exist,” Johnson remarked at the time.
The Impeachment Setback
During his interview, Johnson also touched on the failed impeachment attempt of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, describing it as a setback. The House had previously considered impeaching Mayorkas over his handling of border security, a move that ultimately did not succeed.
Conclusion
As President Biden prepares to sign the executive order, the political landscape around immigration remains fraught with tension and partisanship. Johnson’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate over how best to manage the southern border and address the complexities of immigration policy in the United States.
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