LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Biden administration’s recent executive order limiting asylum requests at the southern border has sparked a wide range of reactions from Michigan’s political leaders and advocacy groups around the country. The order, which the Biden administration says is aimed at curbing the surge of unauthorized crossings, has elicited both support and criticism.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s support.

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is also a co-chair in Biden’s reelection campaign, has expressed strong support for President Biden’s executive action. In a statement, Whitmer emphasized the need for practical solutions to border security, praising the order for its potential to ease the burden on Border Patrol agents and facilitate the removal of individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States. Whitmer highlighted that this action builds on Biden’s previous efforts to deploy a record number of border agents and officers to the southern border.

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Whitmer also criticized Congress, particularly Republicans, for blocking comprehensive immigration reform and additional border resources proposed by the Biden administration saying, “We still need Congress to act on legislation that will strengthen these efforts. President Biden sent Congress a comprehensive immigration reform plan on day one, and repeatedly requested more border resources from Congress, only to be blocked by Republicans. They should stop playing political games and work with the administration on a coordinated, bipartisan federal solution to fix our broken system.”

Representative Rashida Tlaib’s opposition.

In stark contrast, Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) has vehemently opposed the executive order, deeming it a continuation of Trump-era immigration policies. Tlaib criticized the order as a betrayal of Biden’s campaign promises to end the inhumane treatment of migrants. She argues that seeking asylum is a fundamental human right and says that Biden’s order dehumanizes individuals fleeing violence and seeking a better life for their families.

Tlaib’s opposition aligns with the broader sentiment among progressive Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups around the United States, who view the executive order as a harsh and regressive measure. Many argue that the policy will have devastating humanitarian consequences and further complicate the asylum process for vulnerable individuals.

Reactions from other Michigan lawmakers.

Michigan lawmakers have exhibited a spectrum of reactions, mirroring the national divide on the issue. State Representative Jasper Martus (D-Flushing) echoed Whitmer’s support, acknowledging the necessity of the executive order while calling for comprehensive legislative solutions to immigration challenges. Martus emphasized the need for adequate resources for border patrol and immigration officers, as well as measures to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Conversely, Michigan Republicans have largely criticized the executive order, arguing that it does not go far enough to address the border crisis.

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Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) and Michigan GOP Chair Pete Hoekstra have pointed to many of the negative impact of illegal immigration on community safety and the state’s drug problem, particularly the fentanyl crisis. They argue that more stringent measures are necessary to secure the border effectively and that Biden’s executive order is a political move.

Representative John Moolenar (R-MI02) thinks that the President should have acted a lot sooner asserting, “His actions today will not stop the devastating border crisis he created.”

Advocacy groups and legal challenges.

Immigrant advocacy groups, including the ACLU, have announced their intention to challenge Biden’s executive order in court, asserting that it mirrors illegal policies from the Trump administration that were previously struck down by the courts.

The Texas Civil Rights Project and other organizations have condemned the order as a politically motivated move that endangers the lives of asylum seekers.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service), criticized the order for its moral implications and the potential denial of protection to persecuted individuals based on arbitrary factors. Advocacy groups argue for a more holistic approach to managing border crossings, including guest worker and family reunification programs, rather than relying solely on deterrence policies.

In Michigan, the diverse responses from political leaders and advocacy groups reflect the broader national conversation, illustrating the deep divisions and the need for collaborative solutions to one of the country’s most pressing issues.