In a recent interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Senator Joe Manchin, a prominent Democratic lawmaker, expressed deep concern over the escalating conditions at the U.S. southern border. Manchin’s frustration was palpable as he emphasized the need for immediate action to address the influx of illegal immigration.  Manchin’s first point of concern revolves around the recognition that the border is undeniably broken. He emphasizes that the glass ceiling has been shattered, allowing for a dangerous wave of immigration from all corners of the globe. The numbers, according to Manchin, are unprecedented, and the situation is spiraling out of control. To characterize the severity of the crisis, he asserts that the world itself is in a state of flux, which opportunistic individuals are capitalizing on by exploiting the broken immigration system.

Manchin emphasizes that the ongoing negotiations between the Biden administration and the Senate are not centered around comprehensive immigration reform. Instead, the primary focus lies in diligently securing the border. This crucial step, in his opinion, is an imperative that cannot be ignored. He calls for decisive action, asserting that the border must be shut down to bring stability and control back to the nation.

One of the key issues Manchin highlights is the need to raise the threshold for asylum claims. He argues that the current system allows individuals to seek asylum based on minimal evidence, such as a simple claim of being threatened. To address this, Manchin proposes a more stringent approach, requiring individuals to provide credible proof of an untenable threat to their lives and the inability to live under such conditions. By implementing a higher bar for asylum claims, he believes the system will be better equipped to fulfill its intended purpose.

Manchin acknowledges the backlog of cases awaiting adjudication and the subsequent dispersal of individuals throughout the country. He suggests that this dispersion can be utilized to buy time for faster processing and to enforce stricter measures on those who entered the country for the wrong reasons. While recognizing the need for compassion, Manchin stresses the importance of halting the influx of people and eliminating the incentives that draw individuals from all corners of the world to the United States.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Manchin reiterates that the United States is currently over capacity. The sheer volume of individuals crossing the border is straining resources and infrastructure. To regain control, Manchin believes it is imperative to take immediate action and reestablish a system that can effectively manage the flow of immigration.