The Impact of Border Policies under Biden and Trump: A Comparative Analysis

Recent discussions have brought to the forefront the controversial topic of border policies under the administrations of Biden and Trump. The administration of President Joe Biden has, indeed, adopted some of the Trump-era border policies for asylum seekers, raising questions about their effectiveness and ethics. In this article, we examine the differences and similarities between the policies of both administrations, and whether Joseph Biden's actions align more with those of Donald Trump or signify a new approach to handling border issues.

Bidens administration has indeed adopted some key aspects of the Trump-era border policies. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not an endorsement of all policies, but a recognition of certain operational realities. President Joe Biden has made it clear that he is not a blind follower of Donald Trump and will not implement every policy from the previous administration, particularly those that do not align with his values and priorities.

One significant example is the study and playbook developed by the Obama administration on handling pandemics. The Trump administration, unfortunately, neglected to even consider this invaluable resource, leading to a lack of preparedness for the global pandemic. This highlights the profound differences between the two administrations in terms of their approach to public health and preparedness.

The border policies under the Biden administration, while adopting some Trump-era measures, are fundamentally different in their approach. It is argued that both Trump and Biden are wrong about border issues, but for slightly different reasons. Trump's policies thrive in a politically nationalistic and paranoid environment, where fears about non-citizens entering the country are exaggerated. On the other hand, Biden has been more of an opportunist, responding to political pressure from a media that favors border hawk rhetoric. This has led him to implement policies that may not reflect the true values and priorities of liberal and progressive voters.

Certain aspects of the Biden administration's policy, however, show a stark contrast to Trump's. Unlike Trump, Biden has not sought to separate families and has reinstated legitimate asylum hearing structures. He is actively working to reunite separated families and has brought back a system that adheres to both federal and international laws. This approach demonstrates a commitment to ethical and legal standards, rather than mere political expediency.

It is also important to note the current situation in Texas. While Ted Cruz attributes the explosion of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Biden administration reversing Trump's policies and allowing Mexican nationals to enter the country, it is more accurate to pinpoint the culprit as the actions of Trump supporters who downplayed the virus and avoided the vaccine. This underscores the complex interplay between federal policies and local responses to public health crises.

In conclusion, the adoption of some Trump-era border policies by the Biden administration does not necessarily mean a complete acceptance of those policies. Instead, it reflects a nuanced approach that aims to address immediate operational challenges while striving to uphold ethical and legal standards. The policies of both administrations, Trump and Biden, are far from perfect, and it is essential to critically evaluate and advocate for improvements in border management.