Contingent of House Republicans Joins Democrats to Support Biden Amnesty Plan
In a significant turn of events, President Joe Biden has introduced an executive amnesty that will potentially allow 550,000 illegal alien spouses and children of American citizens to secure green cards and, eventually, U.S. citizenship, marking a major pivot in U.S. immigration policy amid heated national debates.
A coalition of 14 House Republicans and 202 Democrats recently blocked a proposal that aimed to prohibit funding for President Biden's new executive amnesty plan, as Breitbart reports.
Earlier this month, President Biden announced a program that enables not only family members of U.S. citizens but also graduates from American universities who are illegal aliens to apply for green cards and work visas.
Controversy Surrounds Rep. Chip Roy's Funding Ban Proposal
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) proposed a legislative amendment to ban the use of Department of Homeland Security funds to implement the executive amnesty, sparking debate among lawmakers.
This proposal was seen as a direct challenge to the president's immigration policy directions.
The vote on Wednesday showed a significant bipartisan push against Roy's proposal, combining 202 votes from Democrats with 14 from Republicans, effectively blocking the funding ban.
The fourteen Republican lawmakers who sided with the Democrats were Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Mario Díaz-Balart, John Duarte, Brian Fitzpatrick, Carlos Giménez, Jenniffer González-Colón, David Joyce, Thomas Kean, Young Kim, Mike Lawler, Amata Radewagen, Maria Salazar, Michelle Steel, and David Valadao.
Public and Political Reactions
The move by some Republicans to support Biden's plan has drawn criticism and support across different sectors.
Rep. Mark Green, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, described the amnesty as laying out a "welcome mat" for global migrants, highlighting concerns over its potential impact on illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Ryan Walker from Heritage Action expressed disappointment on X, a social media platform, criticizing the executive order for bypassing Congress and imposing financial burdens on American taxpayers.
RJ Hauman from the National Immigration Center for Enforcement articulated his concerns to Breitbart News.
He condemned.the use of 'parole-in-place' as an abuse of emergency powers and a circumvention of legislative checks.
Broader Implications and Continued Dialogue
Although criticized by some members within their own ranks, the Republican lawmakers who voted with Democrats believe that supporting the plan could potentially widen their appeal among diverse voter demographics, including Latino communities.
Hauman’s remarks underscored a sentiment that policy support by these Republicans might stem from political anxiety rather than conviction.
They questioned the effectiveness of amnesty in solving long-standing immigration issues.
The unfolding of these events underlines the complexity and division surrounding immigration policy in the U.S., with ongoing debates pointing toward deeper discussions about legality, economic impact, and humane treatment of non-citizens.
In conclusion, this pivotal legislative event showcases the divisive and evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy, where legal pathways for immigrants remain a contentious topic amidst ongoing national dialogue and varied political strategies.