Border Bill Breakdown: Debunking the Myth that Biden and Harris Did Nothing About the Crisis
Posted on September 15, 2024 by Fact and Myth link
Table of Contents ..The Border Patrol Union Endorsed the Bill ..Trump’s Role in Killing the Bill ..What Really Happened?
...Facts and Myths About the Border Bill ...Myth: The bill w ould have forced migrants fleeing dangerous situations to return home. ...Myth: The President already had all the power needed to secure the border. ...Myth: The bill would have made the border crisis worse by allowing 5,000 migrants into the country per day. ...Myth: Migrants would have been paroled into the U.S. without restrictions. ...Myth: The bill would have provided taxpayer-funded legal counsel for all migrants. ...Myth: The bill eliminated due process for migrants. ...Myth: The bill would have allowed all undocumented migrants to receive work permits.
One common claim is that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have not taken action to address the border crisis. In fact, they backed a bipartisan effort, the Border Act of 2024, which was poised to pass earlier this year. The bill was a comprehensive immigration reform package designed to curb illegal crossings, strengthen the asylum process, and close loopholes exploited by criminal cartels.
However, despite gaining significant support from both sides of the aisle, the bill ultimately failed—not because it was ineffective, but because former President Donald Trump publicly denounced it. His opposition created a political roadblock, as Trump’s influence over Republican lawmakers meant that many who were previously on board suddenly reversed their positions.
The Border Patrol Union Endorsed the Bill
The claim that this bill wasn’t a serious effort is flat-out wrong. One of the most notable endorsements came from the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), the labor union representing over 18,000 Border Patrol agents. This is significant because the NBPC had endorsed Trump in the 2020 election. Yet, the union stated clearly that the bipartisan bill “would drop illegal border crossings nationwide” and help agents regain control of border security.
The bill’s provisions were designed to end the practice of catch-and-release, streamline the asylum process, and provide new resources to manage migrant surges. It even included a mechanism to temporarily shut down the border if the number of encounters exceeded 5,000 per day, ensuring that the system would not be overwhelmed. Despite criticism from some conservative lawmakers, the bill was seen as one of the most comprehensive efforts in decades to manage the border effectively.
Trump’s Role in Killing the Bill The biggest obstacle to this bill wasn’t its content—it was Donald Trump. Initially, there was optimism that the bill would pass with bipartisan support. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell encouraged his fellow Republicans to vote for it. But when Trump came out against the legislation, the political landscape shifted overnight.
Trump’s opposition wasn’t based on the bill’s merits but on his desire to campaign on the message that only he could fix the border crisis. Passing the Border Act under Biden’s administration would have undermined that narrative. Trump labeled the bill a “gift to Democrats” and pressured Republicans not to support it. His influence proved powerful, as only four Republican senators ultimately voted in favor of the bill. Even McConnell, who had co-authored and championed the bill, voted against it after Trump’s intervention. As Vice President Kamala Harris pointed out in a recent debate, Trump “preferred to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem.” His strategy was clear: keep the border crisis unresolved to fuel his 2024 campaign.
What Really Happened?
The collapse of the Border Act of 2024 is a story of political influence, not policy failure. The bipartisan bill addressed key concerns about illegal crossings, asylum backlogs, and border security. The National Border Patrol Council saw it as a solution to many ongoing problems, yet it was stifled by Trump’s political agenda. While the Biden administration supported this bipartisan effort, Trump’s pressure on Republican lawmakers ensured its defeat. The result? Continued border challenges that could have been addressed months ago.
In reality, the claim that Biden and Harris “did nothing” about the border is inaccurate. They were part of a collaborative, bipartisan push to bring real reform. But when politics trumped policy, the chance for meaningful change slipped away—ironically, because of a president who once ran on a promise to solve this very crisis.
The border bill wasn’t perfect, but it was a significant step forward. And it’s time to set the record straight. The Biden administration didn’t ignore the border crisis; their efforts were blocked by the very person who claims only he can fix it.
Facts and Myths About the Border Bill
The Bipartisan Border Security Package was met with misinformation and misconceptions before it was ultimately defeated by Republican opposition. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common myths about the bill and the actual facts behind it.
...Myth: The bill would have forced migrants fleeing dangerous situations to return home.
...Fact: The bill was designed to uphold American values by ensuring a fair and efficient asylum process. Migrants who faced genuine persecution would have received protection, while those without valid claims would have been swiftly removed. This streamlined system aimed to prioritize those in need and prevent the system from being overwhelmed.
...Myth: The President already had all the power needed to secure the border.
...Fact: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacked the resources and updated policies needed to fully manage the border crisis. The bill sought to address gaps that previous administrations—under Biden, Trump, Obama, and Bush—also struggled with. By providing DHS with new authorities, the bill would have enabled the agency to close the border when overwhelmed, regardless of the administration in power.
...Myth: The bill would have made the border crisis worse by allowing 5,000 migrants into the country per day.
...Fact: The bill included a provision called the Border Emergency Authority (BEA), which would have allowed DHS to close the border if daily encounters exceeded 5,000. This safeguard was put in place to ensure the system wouldn’t be overwhelmed by surges and would only reopen when operational control could be restored.
...Myth: Migrants would have been paroled into the U.S. without restrictions.
...Fact: The bill did not expand parole for migrants crossing the border unlawfully. Instead, it would have ensured that migrants who did not qualify for asylum were swiftly removed from the U.S. It retained humanitarian parole for emergencies but enforced stricter standards for those entering unlawfully, ensuring proper processing and removal.
...Myth: The bill would have provided taxpayer-funded legal counsel for all migrants.
...Fact: The bill only offered government-appointed counsel to young, unaccompanied children—not adults. For adults, the bill confirmed their right to hire an attorney, but any legal representation would have been at their own expense.
...Myth: The bill eliminated due process for migrants.
...Fact: The bill aimed to strengthen due process by speeding up the handling of asylum claims and reducing the backlog. Migrants would have been able to request administrative review of their claims within a much shorter timeframe. This provision was meant to ensure faster, fairer decisions without the years-long delays that currently burden the system.
...Myth: The bill would have allowed all undocumented migrants to receive work permits.
...Fact: Only migrants who passed a higher-standard asylum screening would have been eligible for work permits under this bill. Migrants who failed to meet the standard would have been removed from the country. The bill focused on granting work permits only to those with legitimate claims to protection.
In the end, despite the comprehensive approach to fixing border security issues, the Bipartisan Border Security Package failed to pass. Misinformation about the bill’s provisions played a role, but the final blow came from political pressures, including opposition from key figures within the Republican Party. While the bill aimed to address the border crisis in a balanced and practical way, it ultimately did not become law.
Uhh... he did NOTHING. And everything to encourage it. He even invented an app so they could bypass the entire border process and be flown to their favorite city.
He literally told them to, quote: "surge the border". And then, with 5-10,000 crossing per day, repeated said the border was closed. Did you seriously miss all of that??
What he is referring to is the immigration bill. It was proposed to fix the immigration problem. The Republicans flatly rejected the bill. One Republican lawmaker told why he was voting against it............
U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas) stated he would oppose a bipartisan border security deal to avoid helping President Joe Biden's political standing.
Nehls told CNN, "Let me tell you, I'm not willing to do too damn much right now to help a Democrat and to help Joe Biden's approval rating... I will not help the Democrats try to improve this man's dismal approval ratings. I'm not going to do it. Why would I?"
It's anecdotal - a perspective from one person who may or may not have an agenda. It could easily be true..... But then I bet there are people inside the DOJ that have resigned and could tell you a similar horror story about what this administration has done to the DOJ... same with the Department of Defense (War) ... Or an insider take on what DOGE did that was absolute trash/garbage/chaos/disaster .... and all those takes should be shocking and alarming, but they would be ignored.
And we know from ongoing examples anyone that does speak out publicly becomes a target for political retribution ALA Comey, Bolton, James, Cook, Milley, Brennan, and John Smith.
Last edited by mgh888; 11/03/2604:21 AM.
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
trump blocked Bidens bipartisan solution. Anybody with half a brain saw and knew what was going on.
The counter argument is Trump came in and stopped the crossings without support ... the answer was to have a PoTUS who acts like a King and ignores Congress and rules by executive order. Let's see if they like that when a Democrat is in the WH. An with a bit of luck we'll have the next two terms with a D in charge and we can stack the Supreme Court and ride rough shod over the Republicans ... what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
trump blocked Bidens bipartisan solution. Anybody with half a brain saw and knew what was going on.
Trump didn't block anything. The actual republican said it would never pass unless they changed it.
It was not a solution, or anything resembling one. It would be like treating a chainsaw wound with a bandaid and a peptalk: "we're gonna build a hospital here someday".
You nailed the half a brain thing though, just not in the way you thought you did.
trump blocked Bidens bipartisan solution. Anybody with half a brain saw and knew what was going on.
The counter argument is Trump came in and stopped the crossings without support ... the answer was to have a PoTUS who acts like a King and ignores Congress and rules by executive order. Let's see if they like that when a Democrat is in the WH. An with a bit of luck we'll have the next two terms with a D in charge and we can stack the Supreme Court and ride rough shod over the Republicans ... what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
It's illegal to cross the border. It doesn't take a king to enforce the law, just something two tiers above a court jester.
Trump did nothing but empower law enforcement to enforce the law. You know that, but your TDS makes you dance around it and toss some scarecrows in the fire.
MAC, you are correct it is a lie to say Biden did nothing to "fix the border".....but, in our "Wonderful system" of government the Republicans played hard ball and hurt Biden/Democrats---JMHO, Democrats wanted all the illegals/ potential new citizens, thinking they'd VOTE Democratic eventually. We'd stupidly give them amnesty eventually after years of illegal residency. It is the American way.
Most politicans are less than saintly, hell, our current President though it was right to free convicted criminals who attacked OUR Capital police, who caused millions of dollars of damage to our country. All, let us not forget being Trump's VP is wonderful job--HANG MIKE PENCE- we re-elected the ONLY President NOT to PEACEFULLY hand over the power of the Presidency.
Our current Politicans are just the best. ONLY fix- term limits, flat tax, and an independent judiciary....it is TOO political now.
"You've never lived till you've almost died, life has a flavor the protected will never know" A vet or cop
Laws are to passed through legislation not with a pen by one man. Congress failed to act even after holding the majority. So trump, who had a majority in the House and the Senate to pass legislation circumvented the normal process as per usual. Excuses be damned.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
This is why the border bill failed plain and simple. One of them slipped up and said the quiet part out loud. Many here either weren't paying attention or are pretending they didn't hear it........
U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas) stated he would oppose a bipartisan border security deal to avoid helping President Joe Biden's political standing.
Nehls told CNN, "Let me tell you, I'm not willing to do too damn much right now to help a Democrat and to help Joe Biden's approval rating... I will not help the Democrats try to improve this man's dismal approval ratings. I'm not going to do it. Why would I?"
Their answer for what Biden did to fix his own border disaster?
"ICE bad!" "January 6th!!!"
Your "bipartisan bill" was going to "fix the border" by allowing the same amount of people per day that have already overwhelmed every system and every large city under the premise that we would "process them faster". There's nothing to process if the border is closed, DUH.
But we were supposed to believe we would snap our fingers and have an immediate infrastructure to shelter 5000 people per day while we figure out that they're not supposed to be here in the first place. That is literally the dumbest thing you could ever make up. That makes South Park look like a Ken Burns documentary.
That's your border bill in a nutshell. Nothing you can quote, link to or sugar coat changes that.
Here's what you are insisting would have been done in a blink of an eye to handle the crisis... here's how Democrats build things.
Eighteen years and $150 billion:
Nobody is this dumb, even if they act like they are.
trump blocked Bidens bipartisan solution. Anybody with half a brain saw and knew what was going on.
The counter argument is Trump came in and stopped the crossings without support ... the answer was to have a PoTUS who acts like a King and ignores Congress and rules by executive order. Let's see if they like that when a Democrat is in the WH. An with a bit of luck we'll have the next two terms with a D in charge and we can stack the Supreme Court and ride rough shod over the Republicans ... what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
You and people who think like you are dangerous people. You back obvious communist, Islamists. At this pont you are the people fighting. Do what you are saying and we will fight, and you will lose. You assume President Biden was right when he was talking about having F-15's and large bombs on his side. I think he/you are way wrong when you think the majority of the military is on your side.
You idiots tout Europe as the example. In case you haven't noticed, Europe is being overrun and in chaos.
You want chaos, you'll get chaos.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Good old POLITICS- the Dems didn't offer anything/ enough in return for Republican support. Wonder if American people will hold Trump accountable for running on "NO WARS"- yet, Ukraine still going, military in Venevuela- we replace an elected leader of another country- AND, spend BILLIONS with no results and causing inflation in our country due to HIS IRANIAN crisis- what is the new definition of war?.....time will tell.
"You've never lived till you've almost died, life has a flavor the protected will never know" A vet or cop
You're at the age you won't be creating chaos for anyone. Getting this worked up can't be good for your blood pressure.
And you do understand that sounds like threat against your own fellow Americans who have different political viewpoint than your own. But it seems that is who you are now and you aren't alone.
Quote
You back obvious communist, Islamists.
Just stop already with repeating what you are being spoon fed. You don't even understand the difference between a communist, a socialist and a democratic socialist so how can anyone take that seriously Senator McCarthy? The "Red Scare" only works on people like yourself anymore. After decades of hearing that BS being spread most people gave figured that out already. You know, just like "Democrats er gonna take mah guns!"
People have been saying that since the 1980's and no democrat has tried to take our guns. Once you keep putting the same nonsense on a loop for so long people eventually figure out it's all BS. And we have. It seems as though you haven't. That's a you issue.
It's also obvious you have no idea the difference between a Muslim and an Islamist so I'll help you out with that one............
The fundamental difference is that a Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam, whereas an Islamist is someone who views Islam as a political ideology that should govern state law and society.
Good Lord man. Nobody is backing any communist or Islamist
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Allowing 1.8 million more people into the country per year solves a border crisis about as well as a glass of ice water solves a forest fire.
At least we're to the point that the blindfolded actually admit there was a crisis though. I guess that's some form of progress. That's a far cry from "the border is secure".
I think it's more about what the dems didn't offer. And that is compete and total control of implementing their religious beliefs and moral values on the whole of society. They didn't offer them some strong man who calls everyone names and ridicules everyone that stands up to them. They didn't offer them someone who attacks and punishes our allies.
It's hard to deny they knew who trump is and how he operated. It's hard to deny they've been making excuses for his terrible behavior and deeds. It's hard to deny they blame everyone but trump for his 34 felony count convictions or that a jury found he sexually assaulted a woman. They chose that because that's what they wanted. The Dems didn't offer them that.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
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