President Joe Biden's comments on border security during Thursday's State of the Union are expected to be an extension of his repeated calls for Republicans to pass strict border security measures, including on a visit to the U.S.-U.S. border. Mexico last week, according to White House officials.
The White House is weighing an executive action that would restrict migrants' ability to seek asylum at the U.S. southern border if they crossed illegally, although no final decisions have been made and no new announcements are expected Thursday.
Biden is trying to address an issue that has dogged his administration and tormented lawmakers for years: using the failed Senate border bill to blame Republicans for not giving him the tools to secure the border. Republican lawmakers have scoffed at the charge, arguing that the administration already has the authority to do more.
But on Thursday, Biden is expected to again urge Republicans to pass that bill as he also relies on stricter border measures.
“I think the president is going to lay out what was at stake with the border bill and why it was important to secure the border. He had a plan with the Republicans that secured the border and that was also fair and humane. But he required strong action and, honestly, he only stopped for political reasons,” White House domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden told CNN on Thursday.
“I think the president will really explain why it's wrong to stop progress on a real problem for the American people just for political reasons,” Tanden added.
It will be a notable moment for Biden to weigh in on an issue that a growing number of Americans have flagged as a top concern and that former President Donald Trump has made a centerpiece of his campaign.
Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, who addressed border security in the New York special election, told CNN's Dana Bash that The president is expected to speak about the border on Thursday, citing it as a concern among voters.
“The most important thing the president has to do is say, 'I'm willing to reach an agreement.' I am willing to reach a bipartisan compromise. I'm not going to get everything I want the way I want, but I'm willing to be flexible to try to solve this very real problem that exists,'” Suozzi said.
