President Biden announced that DHS will add around 17 miles of barriers along the border between the Rio Grande and Texas, bypassing environmental and conservation laws to fast-track construction. In a Federal Register notice, DHS stated that new barriers are required to address the increase in border crossings, and environmental regulations and other safeguards cannot delay the new construction.
What they’re saying:
- President Biden said that he asked for appropriated border wall funds to be reappropriated within DHS but was unsuccessful. Biden also said that he does not believe the barriers are practical but that they have to move forward because Congress appropriated the funds.
- Biden’s allies and Republican lawmakers criticized the move, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who condemned the action and called on the Biden administration to reverse course.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.