Both President Joe Biden of the United States and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are under significant pressure from worried voters and opposition leaders regarding border security and the effects of immigration on national resources. As critical elections loom in the U.S. and UK, immigration challenges have taken center stage.
Joe Biden
President Joe Biden has implemented executive actions to limit asylum at the US-Mexico border, a shift from his campaign promises. This change aims to address the influx of migrants, a key concern for both the public and political opponents like former President Trump.
Trump criticizes Biden’s policies as ineffective, calling for stricter measures like mass deportations and enhanced border security.
Gallup polls show immigration is a top concern for American voters, with 56% believing Biden’s approach has had a negative impact, including some Democrats expressing dissatisfaction.
Rishi Sunak
In the US, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces immigration controversies ahead of the election. Sunak aims to cut immigration levels, differentiating the Conservative Party from the leading Labour Party.
Despite Brexit, net migration remains high at 685,000, prompting Sunak’s policies targeting international students and care workers with stricter visa rules and salary thresholds.
These strategies are intended to decrease the total migrant count and tackle public worries regarding the strain on housing, education, and healthcare services. The discussion on immigration in the United Kingdom also encompasses the controversial topic of asylum seekers using small boats to cross the Channel.
Sunak’s proposal to relocate these asylum seekers to Rwanda has encountered legal obstacles and has not been put into action, further complicating the immigration discourse.