What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
June 4, 2024 Recap
President Biden has announced new executive actions aimed at securing the Southern border by barring migrants who cross unlawfully from receiving asylum. This move comes in response to Congressional Republicans voting twice against comprehensive immigration reforms, prioritizing partisan politics over national security. Since taking office, Biden has consistently called on Congress to address the broken immigration system, but with no legislative action, he has taken measures into his own hands. His administration has deployed record numbers of agents to the Southern border, seized unprecedented levels of illicit fentanyl at ports of entry, and collaborated with world leaders on a framework to manage changing migration patterns affecting the Western Hemisphere.
The new executive actions include a proclamation under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a), which suspends the entry of noncitizens unlawfully crossing the Southern border. This is supported by an interim final rule from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to facilitate the quick removal of individuals without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. These actions are temporary and will be discontinued once the number of migrants crossing the border is manageable. Exceptions are made for humanitarian cases, such as unaccompanied children and trafficking victims.
Additional measures include strengthening the asylum screening process to swiftly remove migrants posing public safety or national security risks, revoking visas of executives and officials profiting from unlawful migration, and launching initiatives to dismantle human smuggling operations. Enhanced immigration enforcement efforts have surged agents to the Southern border and increased repatriation flights, resulting in the removal or return of over 750,000 people in the past year.
Moreover, significant strides have been made in seizing fentanyl at the border, with more fentanyl confiscated in the last two years than in the previous five combined. Collaboration with Mexico has led to the extradition of major traffickers, exemplifying joint efforts to combat the synthetic drug epidemic. President Biden emphasizes that while these executive actions are necessary, they are not a substitute for comprehensive legislative reforms. He urges Congress to pass robust immigration laws to provide the necessary resources and personnel to secure the border effectively.
Read President Biden’s remarks given to the press in the East Room of The White House
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement regarding President Biden's attendance at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia, Italy, on June 13-14. During the summit, he and other G7 leaders will discuss key global issues, including strong support for Ukraine. They will consider using Russia's immobilized sovereign assets to aid Ukraine and continue imposing penalties on Russia and its allies. The leaders will promote economic security and resilience, address harmful overcapacity, support developing countries with future investments, and enhance food security and health financing.
President Biden called President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico to congratulate him and the Mexican people on the election of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. Biden expressed gratitude for their strong partnership in economic cooperation, border migration management, and regional security. He also informed López Obrador about approving three new Presidential permits for international bridge projects in Texas to enhance trade and travel. Both leaders committed to maintaining their cooperative relationship through López Obrador's term and ensuring a smooth transition to Sheinbaum's administration.
In a background press call, senior administration officials outlined President Biden's new executive actions to secure the U.S. southern border. These measures respond to Congress's failure to pass a bipartisan border security agreement. The President's actions aim to reduce illegal crossings by barring migrants who unlawfully cross the border from receiving asylum during periods of high encounters. This will streamline the removal process for unlawful migrants and ease the burden on Border Patrol agents.
The administration has expanded efforts to combat human smuggling, increased immigration-related prosecutions, and proposed rules to expedite the removal of migrants posing safety risks. A Recent Arrivals Docket has been established to quickly resolve immigration cases for migrants who cross between ports of entry.
Under the new rule, unlawful migrants will generally be ineligible for asylum unless facing compelling circumstances. During high encounter periods, expedited removal processing will include credible fear screenings only for those expressing fear of return or an intention to seek asylum. The U.S. will adhere to its international obligations by screening ineligible migrants for protection under higher standards.
The measures will remain in effect until border encounters drop below specified thresholds and will be reinstated if encounters rise. Mexico will continue accepting returns of certain nationalities, and the administration is prepared for potential litigation. Officials emphasized the differences between current policies and those of the Trump administration, focusing on lawful pathways and humanitarian considerations. They called for comprehensive immigration reform and criticized congressional Republicans for blocking border security efforts. The President remains committed to balanced and fair immigration solutions. The call concluded with a Q&A session addressing processing times, exceptions, and the new measures' impact.
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Karla M. Campbell, of Tennessee, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, vice Jane Branstetter Stranch, retiring.
Catherine Henry, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Edward G. Smith, deceased.
Mary Kay Lanthier, of Vermont, to be United States District Judge for the District of Vermont, vice Geoffrey W. Crawford, retiring.
Julia M. Lipez, of Maine, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice William J. Kayatta, Jr., retiring.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a teleconference press gaggle that began by outlining President Biden's upcoming trip to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The visit will honor the bravery of American and Allied forces during World War II and emphasize the importance of strong alliances. During the trip, President Biden will also engage in a state visit with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss supporting Ukraine, ensuring a free Indo-Pacific, addressing the Middle East crisis, and combating climate change. Expected outcomes include strengthened transatlantic relations, enhanced Indo-Pacific cooperation, increased clean energy investments, and preparations for the Olympics.
Kirby addressed several current issues, including the recent elections in India, a potential meeting between President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and progress on using Russian frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. He reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Ukraine and pursuing peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Kirby also highlighted President Biden's focus on democracy and global cooperation, which will be central themes in his upcoming speeches and engagements, particularly at Pointe du Hoc, where he will emphasize the significance of past sacrifices for current democratic values. The press conference concluded with anticipation for President Biden's engagements in France and his continued efforts to address global challenges through strong alliances.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at the White House Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn. She welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude for their presence. Reflecting on her time in the role, she highlighted collaborative efforts on various issues such as education, community colleges, cancer research, and military family support. She introduced a new White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, emphasizing the need for more funding and study, particularly for mid-life and older women. She mentioned the positive reception of this initiative across the country. However, the day focused on relaxation and enjoyment, encouraging families and children to have fun on the South Lawn. Before introducing The President, she celebrated unity, family, friendship, and a shared hope for a better future.
President Biden thanked Congressional leaders and reflected on his time in the Senate, emphasizing the camaraderie and relationships built across party lines. He recalled how personal interactions and shared experiences helped foster understanding and cooperation. Biden expressed optimism about the potential for bipartisan efforts to bring positive change to the country and emphasized the importance of unity and leadership. The event aimed to celebrate family, friends, and the start of summer, encouraging everyone to enjoy the festivities.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Paris, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan addressed several topics.
Jean-Pierre highlighted President Biden's new executive actions to secure the Southern border, emphasizing the need for bipartisan legislation and mentioning the ongoing France trip to honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Sullivan detailed the President's upcoming engagements in France, which will focus on commemorating D-Day, meeting veterans, and delivering speeches on the importance of freedom and the dangers of isolationism. He also outlined meetings with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and discussions on supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Other key points included:
Ukraine has no U.S. military trainers, but Germany has a substantial training infrastructure.
Discussions on the Hamas-Israel ceasefire proposal and the broader strategy needed for Gaza's future.
Ukraine's use of American-supplied weapons and the impact on the battlefield.
U.S. diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine and mobilize resources through G7 discussions.
Emphasis on the importance of democratic values and alliances in the President's upcoming speeches.
Jean-Pierre also responded to questions about President Biden's support for his son, Hunter Biden, amidst legal challenges and the administration's stance on the executive order related to immigration and border security.
President Biden delivers remarks regarding his Executive Order on Immigration in the East Room of The White House
