Internet skewers Biden as he calls Japan and India 'xenophobic' in speech about immigration
WASHINGTON DC: President Joe Biden is facing criticism from the internet after suggesting that Japan and India's immigration policies are hindering their economic growth, calling them "xenophobic," per Washington Post.
Biden made these remarks extolling the virtues and benefits of "immigration" on Wednesday, May 1 at a fundraiser in Washington, DC.
What did Joe Biden say?
In his speech, Biden said, "This election is about freedom, America and democracy. That’s why I badly need you. You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants."
"Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic," he continued.
China and Russia are viewed as rival countries with tense relations with the West on the world stage, while Japan and India are regarded as significant allies of the United States.
Biden proposed that the economic issues of these countries stem from the fact that they had lower immigration rates than the United States.
He said, "They don’t want immigrants. Immigrants are what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole, because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and want to contribute."
However, the Embassy of Japan or India has not made any comments on this. But several Japanese lawmakers reacted to Biden's comments on social media, expressing confusion or skepticism towards the president's attitude.
According to Fox News, Mizuho Umemura, a member of the Japanese conservative Nippon Ishin no Kai Party, who holds a seat in the House of Councilors said, "Migration is a problem that European leaders are struggling with, too. There aren't any countries that have solved this problem as of now."
She continued, "I hope that President Biden will solve the problem in New York before he says things like this. Depending on the presidential election, there could be a 180-degree change in policy, and there is no need for Japan to follow suit."
Additionally, as per the NY Times, White House's National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communication John Kirby defended Biden's remarks on Thursday, May 2, saying, "Look, I think the broader point the president was making, and I think people all around the world recognize this, is that the United States is a nation of immigrants and it's in our DNA."
Kirby further said, "We're stronger for it. We're not going to walk away from it. And that's the broader point that he was making."
Kirby clarified, stressing that Biden aimed to underscore the United States' stance rather than criticize Japan or India when questioned about why the president specifically mentioned these two ally nations.
"Again, making a broader point about this country, our country. Our allies know very well how much the president respects them, values their friendship, values their contributions," Kirby responded.
He added, "And you don't have to look honestly very far, very hard to see that bear out in the things that we've been doing in the Indo-Pacific with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines."
Internet slams Joe Biden over his comments
Several social media users slammed Joe Biden over his comments.
An Instagram user said, "We need Trump back asap." [sic]
Another user said, "Someone please remove him," while a user said, "Cant wait until this is over." [sic]
One more user commented, "I hate this man."
A user said, "Well Joe just lost the Japanese American vote." [sic]
The next user said, "Japan is clean, beautiful and SMART PEOPLE! And no drugs." [sic]
While a user said, "Biden never misses an opportunity to put his foot in his mouth." [sic]
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.
