Key Things to Know:
- Trump Accused Biden of Open Borders: Trump criticized Biden for alleged open-border policies, attributing the rise in illegal crossings and crimes to the current administration.
- Biden Highlighted Decrease in Illegal Crossings: Biden defended his record, citing a 40% drop in illegal crossings following his executive actions.
- Divergent Approaches: Both candidates expressed starkly different views on immigration and border control.
In a fiery exchange during the first presidential debate, immigration took center stage as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump sparred over border security and immigration policies. The debate, moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper, highlighted glaring differences in how each candidate views the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Trump, seizing on a long-standing Republican talking point, accused Biden of allowing millions of unauthorized migrants into the country.
“He decided to open up our border, opening up our country to people who are from prisons, people that are from mental institutions,” Trump claimed, although he did not provide evidence to support these assertions.
While it’s true that under Biden, unauthorized crossings hit a record high, the situation at the border is far from uncontrolled. The federal government has reinforced the border with additional wall sections and increased military operations. Expedited removals have also risen under Biden’s administration. In contrast to Trump’s claims, the border is arguably more secure than ever.
Biden, in response, attempted to shift the narrative by emphasizing the steps his administration has taken to curb illegal crossings.
“We worked hard to get a bipartisan agreement that not only [would have] changed all of that. …I’ve changed it in the way that now you’re in a situation where there are 40% fewer people coming across the border illegally,” he stated. This refers to executive actions issued on June 4 that severely restricted asylum claims between ports of entry, effectively blocking most unauthorized migrants from attaining asylum.
Historically, such policies temporarily deter migrants, though numbers often rise again as migrants adjust and find new routes. The administration reported a 40% drop in illegal crossings since implementing stricter asylum rules, although some migrants have indicated they will attempt to cross despite the policies.
Trump, leaning into a fear-based rhetoric, repeatedly linked immigration to crime and terrorism.
“And because of [Biden’s] ridiculous, insane and very stupid policies, people are coming in, and they’re killing our citizens at a level that we’ve never seen,” he claimed, again without substantial evidence.
In reality, while some individuals crossing the border illegally have committed crimes, data shows that a vast majority of immigrants do not. A study by Northwestern University found that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.
Moderator Jake Tapper pressed both candidates on their immigration plans, asking, “Why should voters trust you to solve this crisis?” Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to work with Congress on comprehensive immigration reform, pointing out the obstacles posed by a lack of bipartisan support.
Trump, however, sidestepped detailed policy discussion, instead leaning into generalized assessments of immigration based on isolated crimes. He reiterated his promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants if he wins a second term.
“Does that mean that you will deport every undocumented immigrant in America, including those who have jobs, including those whose spouses are citizens, and including those who have lived here for decades? And if so, how will you do it?” Tapper asked. Trump did not answer directly, instead shifting the conversation to terrorism and crime.