Mayorkas cites ‘immediate need’ to waive regulations, build border wall in Texas as immigration surges
FOX NewsOct 01, 2023
The Facts
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it has waived 26 federal laws in South Texas in order to construct more border wall, marking a reversal from the administration’s campaign policy regarding the Southern border.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the decision overnight in the Federal Registry, noting that the administration was waiving laws including the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act in Starr County, Texas.
The Spin
Republican narrative
After years of condescending — and false — assertions that walls “don’t work," the Biden administration has had to face the reality of the mess it created. Trump knew eight years ago that securing the border was of the utmost importance as millions of illegal migrants invaded the US unrestrained — a crisis Democrats ignored in order to gain votes. They are now finally realizing the consequences of their actions.
Democratic narrative
Despite claims to the contrary, the DHS’s decision isn't a reversal from Biden’s stance on immigration. Money had been appropriated for border wall construction years ago under the former administration, and Biden had no choice but to use the funds. The president remains adamant that physical barriers aren't an effective way to handle immigration, and his administration will continue to pursue a humane policy.
