Biden Claims Border Walls are Ineffective as His Administration Oversteps Laws to Construct Additional Barriers in South Texas

By Better Today On Oct 5, 2023

TL/DR –

President Joe Biden said that he doesn’t believe border walls work but his administration will waive 26 laws to build additional border barriers in the Rio Grande Valley due to heightened political pressure over migration. The construction of the border wall will be paid for using already appropriated funds earmarked specifically for physical border barriers. Biden, who had vowed not to construct more border walls, defended his decision by saying he tried but failed to get the funds appropriated for other purposes.

President Biden Declares Border Walls Ineffective Despite Additional Construction

Despite asserting his belief that border walls are ineffective, President Joe Biden’s administration will be building additional border barriers in the Rio Grande Valley. This action has been prompted by increasing political pressure over migration.

Notice for Border Wall Construction

A notice posted to the Federal Register confirms the wall will be financed using existing funds originally dedicated for physical border barriers. This move coincides with a new surge of migrants, straining federal resources and amplifying political pressure on the Biden administration.

President Biden’s Defense

President Biden defended the decision, stating his unsuccessful attempt to redirect the funds for other purposes. Despite questioning the effectiveness of border walls, he explained that funds must be utilized as per their initial appropriation.

Increased Migrant Encounters

Reports show nearly 300,000 encounters in the Rio Grande Valley sector between last October and August. In addition, last month witnessed over 200,000 migrants apprehended at the US-Mexico border. This surge of migrants has led to additional strain on federal resources and resulted in increased criticism of Biden’s border policies.

Migration Crisis

Migration has been a constant focus of the Republican presidential primary field and conservative media. Democrats, including the mayors of New York and Chicago, are calling for stronger federal efforts to provide resources for migrant arrivals.

Wall Construction Waiving Laws

The Department of Homeland Security concluded that waiving certain laws was necessary for expedited construction of barriers and roads in Starr County, Texas. These include the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.

Migrant Crossings Expected to Remain High

Migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border are predicted to remain high in the near term. Also, commitments from Mexico are expected to help decrease the numbers.

US-Mexico Border Situation

Amid annual security talks in Mexico City, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador described the construction of a new border wall as a “regression” that wouldn’t solve the immigration problem. He criticized “right-wing Republicans” for using the immigration and drug trafficking problem for political purposes.