Republicans have set a border trap. Biden can't afford to fall for it

An overwhelming majority of Americans of all political stripes want Congress to fix immigration, and yet, Congress has failed to do so for decades. McCain described the far right’s prescription to round up all the “illegals” and deport them as pure “bullsh—t.” We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism “There are politicians today who would have Americans believe that illegal immigration is one of the worst scourges afflicting the country… Whatever their reasons, the cynical and the ignorant promotion of false information and unnecessary fear have the same outcome…” Ten years later, nothing has changed, Republican political attacks remain a cynical surrogate for action, and our borders remain a mess. Sweeping decades of republican opportunities and inaction under the rug, Freedom Caucus member and House Speaker Mike Johnson has declared that immigration reform is now Republicans’ “hill to die on,” confirming that the right is willing to jeopardize long-standing military obligations to score political points from manipulated voters. They presented their own immigration proposal, advising Congress that the $753 billion American dairy industry needs immigrants to address “an acute national labor crisis,” that “would soon worsen.” The Cheese Makers Association offered up specifics, urging Congress to expand the agricultural guestworker visa program to include dairy manufacturing and related supply chain jobs; eliminate “touchback” provisions that require agricultural guestworkers to return to their home country periodically ; and to provide temporary legal status to the spouses and minor children of non-seasonal agricultural guestworkers, which would make immigrant farm work more attractive, among other provisions. It’s long past the hour for Congress to help border states and accommodate farmers and industry leaders desperate for workers, by developing a data-driven, market-specific immigration plan including clear rules on which skills and people can come in, enhanced enforcement, sustainable asylum standards, fast-track deportation procedures, increased border staff, temporary shelter so border states aren’t stuck with the bill, and a path to citizenship based on evolving labor, social and housing needs.