Internet accuses Biden of 'gaslighting' as he blames Republicans in Congress for worsening migrant crisis

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden is attributing the surge in irregular migration to congressional Republicans, accusing them of rejecting his plea for billions in new enforcement funding.

Biden, on Saturday, January 13, declared, "I've been pushing them — my Republican colleagues — since I got in office. I think we have to make a major change in the border," adding, "I'm prepared to make significant alterations in the border."

A border in crisis

The President's remarks come in the wake of escalating illegal crossings at the southern border with Mexico, reaching record highs in December.

Facing harsh criticism from Republicans for his management of the situation, Biden deflected blame, asserting that Republicans in Congress failed to address immigration reform and denied his recent funding request of $3.5 billion for border enforcement and asylum processing.

"On my first day in office...I sent Congress a comprehensive piece of legislation that would completely overhaul what has been a broken immigration system for a long time," Biden said in White House remarks last week. "But congressional Republicans have refused to consider my comprehensive plan," he added. 

"And they rejected my recent request for an additional $3.5 billion to secure the border and funds for 2,000 new asylum personnel...and 100 new immigration judges so people don't have to wait years to get their claims adjudicated, which they have a right to make a claim legally," Biden insisted.

Record numbers of migrants have been arrested illegally crossing the border since Biden assumed office in 2021, with approximately 2 million arrests in the fiscal year 2023.

Republicans argue that Biden's policies, including the relaxation of Trump-era restrictions and the acceptance of certain migrants for humanitarian reasons, have encouraged illegal immigration, circumventing standard channels.

Social media reactions

Social media erupted in response to Biden's blame-shifting, with critics accusing him of gaslighting and pointing out policy changes made during the early days of his administration.

"GASLIGHTING! No more money until existing laws are ENFORCED with Proof for 6 months," one posted on X.

"He’s the one that got rid of all of the border policies that were working on day 1 of his admin. This is on him," another wrote.

"Poor Joe. He seems to forget he stopped the wall and like the immigrants. The Dems have had the House, Senate, and WH before and did nothing on immigration. The more people the government owns the better for them," a comment read.

"Excuse me...How did the Republicans worsen the crisis when it is a DEMOCRAT VICE PRESIDENT AND DEMOCRAT MAYORKAS who are in charge?" another wondered.

"He is really embarrassing himself when he speaks," someone else added.

Immigration as a pivotal issue

As the border security issue intensifies, Republican base voters, gearing up for the November 5 elections that will determine control of the White House and Congress, express growing dissatisfaction with Biden's handling of immigration.

Congressional Republicans have withheld additional military funding for Ukraine, linking it to stringent new border controls, and have even threatened a government shutdown if their demands are not met.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has become a focal point of Republican criticism, with impeachment proceedings looming over allegations that his policies encourage illegal immigration.

The Biden administration dismisses these efforts as political maneuvers, attributing the unprecedented migration levels to economic hardship, violence, corruption, and extreme weather in the Western Hemisphere.

That said, impeachment of a US Cabinet secretary is a rare occurrence, with the only precedent dating back to 1876 when President Ulysses Grant's secretary of war faced impeachment following allegations of corruption.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online