Staff Reports
As the 2024 reelection struggle approaches, President Joe Biden's relationships with Democratic leaders are being tested by the rise of immigrants in blue cities and states distant from the southern border. Republican claims that "every state is a border state" owing to illegal immigration have persisted. Even Democratic leaders nationwide seem to concur, but they don't blame Biden's policies.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) announced that over 50,000 aliens have been relocated to "sanctuary" sites nationwide. This includes 12,500 immigrants to Washington, D.C., 18,500 to New York City, 13,500 to Chicago, 3,200 to Philadelphia, 3,200 to Denver, and 940 to Los Angeles.
Biden faces new Democratic pressure on border ahead of 2024 reelection bid
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— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 9, 2023
Growing immigration issues in blue cities and states could threaten the 2024 election. Democratic strategist Douglas Wilson said, "The president should listen to the mayor of New York City, the governor of Illinois, and other blue states to boost turnout. We all know New York won't swing Republican, but you don't want borough residents, especially black people, to stay home because they're furious with the president over more migrants." Wilson advised Republicans utilize this image in battleground states.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) joined other Democrats in writing to Biden's White House to act. urged "the Biden administration to send officials to the Commonwealth to assess the need for additional federal support." The White House did not address Auchincloss's request.
New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois are asking Biden for more federal aid to manage the large immigrant surge, which is straining local and state resources. The government claims it has given Chicago over $46 million in grant cash to help with the immigrant inflow. While city and state leaders are pleased with the Biden administration's lack of action on this problem, it has reportedly strained relations between the President and prominent Democrats. Democratic strategist Brad Bannon doubts it will hurt Biden. He said, "It probably doesn't matter in the presidential election. Unless the president helps these mayors, it might grow into a major issue."
Auchincloss observed that 2024 voters will consider immigration, the cost of living, and democracy. Wilson that Biden link "border funding to Ukraine funding." to help these cities and states with immigration. He said Biden would show his readiness to handle border issues and enable talks with Republicans on Capitol Hill, which might benefit the President.
