On Friday’s episode of ABC’s “The View,” Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) addressed the ongoing issues at the southern border and pushed back against claims that President Joe Biden’s reversal of several Trump-era policies is to blame.
With the influx of migrants attempting to enter the United States, the border has been a hot topic of debate and criticism. Many Republicans have been quick to point fingers at the new administration, accusing Biden of creating chaos at the border by undoing former President Trump’s strict immigration policies.
However, Schumer argued that the situation at the border is not a result of Biden’s actions, but rather a long-standing issue that requires a comprehensive approach.
“The problems at the border did not start on January 20th, 2021,” Schumer said. “They’ve been going on for years, and we need to address them with a realistic and humane approach.”
He also called out Republican lawmakers who have criticized Biden’s handling of the border situation but voted against the Senate’s bipartisan immigration bill in 2013, which would have provided a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants.
“It’s easy to point fingers and criticize, but where were these Republicans when we had a chance to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2013?” Schumer asked. “They voted against it, and now they are using the border as a political tool.”
Schumer’s comments come as the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the surge of migrants at the border. While the number of unaccompanied minors crossing the border has increased, officials have also noted that this is an annual occurrence and not unique to the current administration.
Furthermore, Biden’s policies, such as ending the “Remain in Mexico” program and halting construction of the border wall, have been praised by human rights advocates and immigration experts. They argue that these policies were inhumane and ineffective in addressing the root causes of migration.
Schumer also highlighted the need for collaboration and bipartisanship in finding a solution to the border crisis. He urged Republicans to come to the table and work towards a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, address the root causes of migration, and improve border security.
“We need to work together and find a solution that benefits all Americans and addresses the humanitarian crisis at the border,” Schumer said.
The Senate Majority Leader’s remarks were met with support from the co-hosts of “The View,” who praised his call for bipartisanship and criticized Republicans for playing politics with the border crisis.
“It’s refreshing to hear someone in a position of power acknowledge the complexity of the issue and the need for collaboration,” co-host Sunny Hostin said.
Co-host Joy Behar also pointed out the hypocrisy of Republicans who are now criticizing Biden for the border situation after turning a blind eye to Trump’s inhumane policies.
“It’s a shame that the Republicans didn’t care about these issues when Trump was in power,” Behar said. “Now they want to use it as a political weapon against Biden.”
Schumer’s appearance on “The View” is just one example of the administration’s efforts to address the border crisis and push back against false narratives. The Biden administration recently announced plans to increase the number of refugees allowed into the country and has also taken steps to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence in Central America.
In conclusion, Schumer’s message on “The View” was clear – the problems at the border cannot be attributed to one administration or one policy. It is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and humane approach. And it is time for Republicans to put politics aside and work towards a solution that benefits all Americans.