Biden Administration Breaks its Promise: Contradicts Previous Stance on Border Wall Construction

 In a recent announcement, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas clarified that the Biden administration has no new policy regarding border wall construction. This comes in response to reports suggesting that the administration plans to add sections to the existing wall in order to curb record migrant crossings from Mexico. Mayorkas stated that the construction project in question was appropriated during the prior administration in 2019, and the law requires the government to utilize these funds for this purpose.

The Department of Homeland Security also waived 26 federal laws in South Texas, allowing for the construction of more border barriers. This marks the first use of sweeping executive power by the Biden administration to facilitate wall construction, a tactic frequently employed during the Trump presidency. According to Mayorkas, there is an immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the specified project areas. The construction will take place in Starr County, Texas, which is experiencing high levels of illegal entry.

The waivers granted by DHS will bypass time-consuming reviews and potential lawsuits challenging violations of environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. Though no maps were provided in the announcement, it is anticipated that the construction will result in an additional 20 miles being added to the existing border barrier system in the area. However, there are concerns raised by environmental advocates about the impact of these structures on public lands, habitats of endangered plants and animal species, such as the ocelot.

The construction is also expected to have a detrimental effect on wildlife migrations and destroy a significant portion of wildlife refuge land. During the Trump administration, approximately 450 miles of barriers were constructed along the southwest border between 2017 and January 2021. Although the Biden administration initially halted these efforts, Texas Governor Greg Abbott continued with immigration enforcement at the state level. This recent decision by DHS contrasts with the administration's previous stance on border wall construction.

The announcement has prompted political debate, with proponents of the border wall arguing that these waivers should serve as a starting point for a shift in policy. However, critics of the wall emphasize that it is an outdated and ineffective solution to the complex issue of border security. They argue that taxpayer dollars should be allocated to more effective and comprehensive measures. As the Biden administration faces an increase in migrants entering through the southern border in recent months, the discussion surrounding border wall construction is likely to continue. The administration will need to balance the need for border security with the environmental concerns and criticisms associated with wall construction.