The United States-Mexico border has become a pressing issue for governors across the country, as record numbers of migrants arrive at the border. This topic took center stage during the recent gathering of governors at the White House for the National Governors Association (NGA) meeting, an annual event where state leaders discuss issues affecting their states.
Immigration has long been a backburner issue at NGA meetings, but this year was different. Several governors reported that it was the primary focus of their discussions during the meeting. Republican Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana expressed, “This is the No. 1 issue on Americans’ minds right now.” Democratic Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina echoed his sentiments, stating, “Everybody realizes that this is a significant problem right now and a challenge.”
The border issue is not limited to states directly adjacent to Mexico. Governors nationwide have been grappling with the challenges posed by migrant arrivals, in part due to Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to bus migrants to Democratic-led cities without warning. President Joe Biden acknowledged the challenges faced by governors during his remarks before them, urging them to put pressure on lawmakers to pass what he described as “the strongest border deal the country has ever seen.”
Several governors reportedly spoke with President Biden about potential solutions to address the challenges related to border Website security. Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the discussions as “civil.” Despite Republican criticism and Democratic outcry, Biden has sought to embrace stricter border Website security measures.
One of the potential solutions being considered is executive action that could restrict migrants’ ability to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border if they cross illegally. This proposal echoes controversial actions from the Trump era, and White House officials maintain no final decision has been made on this matter.
Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox reported that Biden told governors he is working with lawyers to understand what executive action he can take on immigration but appeared “frustrated” when he was not getting answers from attorneys regarding the actions he could implement. Republican Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota emphasized the need for additional resources along the US southern border, stating there are “a ton of things that can be done right now, without legislation.”
President Biden’s consideration of executive action comes after Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan border deal earlier this month that included sweeping measures, including an authority to shut down the US-Mexico border. Cooper expressed his view that “at least for now, this legislation is on life support,” and some actions the president might take would be subject to litigation.
The White House has criticized Republicans for not taking up the border bill tied to a foreign aid package, and each table where governors were seated had a fact sheet with details of the border deal.
The handling of the US-Mexico border has been a political liability for Biden, whose team has dealt with rising migration across the Western Hemisphere, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged that “it’s quite clear no matter what you think about the immigration policy, we know now who to blame for the lack of action.” However, Abbott’s escalating border tactics have brought the migrant crisis to the doorsteps of Democratic-led cities and states, forcing Democrats to address the issue head-on.
Mayor Ramiro Garza of the border city of Edinburg, Texas, urged leaders to stop politicizing the immigration issue and come to the table to find solutions. Garza and other mayors from across the country met with Biden last month at the White House to discuss the influx of migrants arriving in their cities, and Democratic and Republican lawmakers have been calling for more resources to help them address these challenges.
Migrants often move to cities within the United States if they’re eligible to be released from government custody and as they go through their immigration proceedings. Abbott’s actions have left officials scrambling to respond, with Democratic strategists acknowledging the political effect of his moves. “The fear of Abbott’s stunts working to scare people was there from the beginning,” one Democratic strategist told CNN, adding, “He played into the idea of pitting immigrants against the American people in general and against immigrants who have been here for years.”
