The American Immigration is officially broken
This is generic bold statement, but I’m not making this up, instead coming directly from a sitting President of the United States. Yes he really said that. I was surprised to see Joe Biden mentioning in a tweet and later Kamala Harris last week (Aug 2024) in a campaign meeting. And curious enough, I did some research and found that this has been a pattern at least since 2000. Biden is not the only one.
Immigration issues in America have a long history with both parties (Republicans and Democrats) acknowledging that immigration needs reforms but no major policy changes happening.
Here’s a list of my findings:
Joe Biden - Jan 2021 to Current
A few first things Joe Biden and his administration announced and acknowledged about immigration issues (and primarily that it is broken)
“President Biden will reform our long-broken and chaotic immigration system.” - Jan 2021 Administration released their priorities https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ “Immigration” being one of them.
"Immigration is an irrefutable source of our strength and is essential to who we are as a nation. The last four years of misguided policies have exacerbated the already broken immigration system and highlighted the critical need for reform." - Feb 18, 2021 Introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021
“I would have preferred to address our issues at the border through bipartisan legislation because that’s the only way to actually fix our broken system”. - June 2024 Tweet & White House Briefing Room
Donald Trump - 2017 to 2021
It is time to reform these outdated immigration rules, and finally bring our immigration system into the 21st century. Jun 19, 2018 The Crisis At The Border By The Numbers
Our broken asylum laws, court system, catch-and-release, visa lottery, chain migration, and many other loopholes can all be promptly corrected. May 30, 2019 Statement from the President Regarding Emergency Measures to Address the Border Crisis
To build on these historic gains, we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit, welcoming those who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, support themselves financially, and uphold our values. Feb 4, 2022 President Trump in State of the Union Address
Barack Obama 2009 to 2017
However, America’s immigration system is broken and has not kept pace with changing times. Jul 2013 The Economic Benefits Of Fixing Our Broken Immigration System
“So the politics of who is and who is not allowed to enter this country, and on what terms, has always been contentious. And that remains true today. And it’s made worse by a failure of those of us in Washington to fix a broken immigration system.” Jul 01, 2010 President on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
George W Bush 2001 to 2009
We must begin by recognizing the problems with our immigration system. For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. May 15, 2006 President Bush Addresses the Nation on Immigration Reform
"Unfortunately, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders for decades and therefore illegal immigration has been on the rise." Oct 26, 2006 Remarks on Signing the Secure Fence Act of 2006
Other official references
News Articles
Disclaimer: Hope this helps. I am neither a political analyst nor an immigration attorney. Just a normal legal immigrant living & working in the USA.