Joe Biden is facing pushback from progressives over his new executive action that bars most asylum applications from migrants crossing the US-Mexico border illegally. Despite this, Biden is taking bold action on immigration after Republicans in Congress refused to act upon killing a bipartisan immigration bill. He needs to show that he takes the duty of securing the homeland seriously and appeal to moderates and dissenting Republicans who reject Trump’s extremism. His support from liberal voters and people of color has been shaky, and every Democrat who doesn’t show up to vote for Biden effectively supports his rival.
The executive action aims to alleviate pressure on the swamped asylum system but has drawn criticism from progressives who see it as a betrayal of liberal values. Biden addressed these concerns by stating that doing nothing is not an option and that they have to act. Progressives are also concerned about the lack of relief for migrants already in the country, including Dreamers and farmworkers. Despite his efforts being thwarted by courts and Republicans, Biden has taken steps to address key progressive issues such as student loan relief, infrastructure, and climate change legislation.
Biden’s gamble with progressives raises questions about where they will go if they are disappointed in his actions. Some Democrats fear that the deaths of thousands of Palestinians in Israel’s military operation in Gaza could depress progressive votes in key swing states like Michigan. The loss of Democratic votes in Michigan during the primary due to Biden’s support for Israel is a concern for his reelection chances. However, Biden’s comeback in the 2020 primary showed that the critical center of the party may not necessarily align with the loudest progressive voices.
The Biden campaign hopes to win over Republican voters who supported former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley over Trump. Some Haley supporters welcomed Biden’s immigration actions as a step in the right direction. Expanding support from small groups of conservative voters is crucial in tight elections, and Biden’s actions are seen as a show of good faith in listening to the center. Ultimately, Biden needs to find a balance between appeasing progressives, moderates, and Republicans while also addressing key issues such as immigration and national security to secure his reelection.
