What Is Biden Thinking on Immigration?

Excluding from consideration any conspiratorial explanations for the proposition, the news that President Biden intends imminently to “announce one of the largest immigration relief programs in recent history” must have left even the most weather-beaten of political observers scratching their heads in astonishment. This, one need not be reminded, is an election year. Immigration remains one of Biden’s most conspicuous weak spots. And he is running against Donald Trump, the country’s leading immigration hawk. Might we conclude from this dimwitted decision that the White House policy team has taken a liking to magic mushrooms?

In its report on the topic, CBS nonchalantly observed that the plan would involve “removing an obstacle in U.S. law” — which, if his prior lawlessness is any guide, is almost certainly a euphemism for “usurping the authority of Congress.” And to what end? To make himself even more unpopular than he already is? So pronounced has been President Biden’s abdication of responsibility at the Southern border that solid majorities of Americans have come to support mass deportations in response. Last week, CBS found that 62 percent of registered voters favor “a new national program to deport all undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. illegally.” That support is broad-based. Independents back the idea 60–40; Hispanics, 53–47; men, 66–34; women, 58–42; voters without college degrees, 74–26; voters with college degrees, 58–42.

About the Author

Charles C. W. Cooke

Charles C. W. Cooke is a senior editor at National Review and the host of The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast.

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Excluding from consideration any conspiratorial explanations for the proposition, the news that President Biden intends imminently to “announce one of the largest immigration relief programs in recent history” must have left even the most weather-beaten of political observers scratching their heads in astonishment. This, one need not be reminded, is an election year. Immigration remains one of Biden’s most conspicuous weak spots. And he is running against Donald Trump, the country’s leading immigration hawk. Might we conclude from this dimwitted decision that the White House policy team has taken a liking to magic mushrooms?

In its report on the topic, CBS nonchalantly observed that the plan would involve “removing an obstacle in U.S. law” — which, if his prior lawlessness is any guide, is almost certainly a euphemism for “usurping the authority of Congress.” And to what end? To make himself even more unpopular than he already is? So pronounced has been President Biden’s abdication of responsibility at the Southern border that solid majorities of Americans have come to support mass deportations in response. Last week, CBS found that 62 percent of registered voters favor “a new national program to deport all undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. illegally.” That support is broad-based. Independents back the idea 60–40; Hispanics, 53–47; men, 66–34; women, 58–42; voters without college degrees, 74–26; voters with college degrees, 58–42.