AMAC Exclusive – By Andrew Abbott
A drastic influx of migrants to so-called “sanctuary cities” in recent months has even some of President Joe Biden’s staunchest Democrat allies growing increasingly frustrated over the administration’s open borders policies.
As Biden continues to see dismal poll numbers, one of his biggest vulnerabilities across the board is on border and immigration policy. According to a Gallup poll released late last month, just 31 percent of Americans approve of how Biden has handled the immigration crisis, while 66 percent disapprove.
Most strikingly, just 27 percent of Independents approve of Biden’s job performance on immigration, along with 62 percent of Democrats – an unusually low level of approval from within an incumbent president’s own party.
One reason for the evident Democrat frustration over Biden’s performance on immigration may be that many of them are seeing the disastrous results of his open borders policies first-hand.
In New York, for instance, which went for Biden by 23 points in 2020, a Siena College poll released on August 22 found that 82 percent of residents believe the “recent influx of migrants is a serious problem” – including 54 percent who said it was “very serious.” 46 percent of New Yorkers said migrants resettling in the Empire State over the last 20 years has been a “burden,” while just 32 percent said it has been a “benefit.”
Things have been particularly tense in New York City, long touted as a “sanctuary city” for migrants. The Big Apple is housing some 59,000 migrants per night, and is expected to enroll more than 19,000 migrant children in public schools this fall. According to a Federation for American Immigration Reform study released in March, illegal immigration is expected to cost New Yorkers more than $10 billion in 2023 alone.
The situation has created major rifts between Democrats at the state, local, and federal level. After more than two dozen counties surrounding New York City used various methods to prevent Adams from relocating migrants there, the mayor’s office sued to force those counties to house migrants at the taxpayer’s expense.
A deepening rift has also emerged between Adams and Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul, with Adams saying that Hochul is “wrong” for not forcing other areas of the state to take asylum seekers.
But Adams and Hochul have been united in their criticism of Biden for his handling of the border crisis. Last month, Hochul sent an open letter to the White House demanding more federal help, later saying, “We’ve managed thus far without substantive support from Washington.” Last October, Adams reportedly told a group of Biden aides during a White House meeting that there has been “no leadership” on immigration issues, leading to a “total breakdown” in the relationship between Biden and the mayor of the country’s largest city.
Even “Squad” leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, has said that immigration is Biden’s “weakest issue.” Notably, Ocasio-Cortez went on to say that migrants just need work permits and refused to condemn Biden’s open borders policies. But the fact that she was willing to offer any criticism at all underscores just how much heat New York Democrats are feeling from their voters.
In Chicago, another liberal bastion, new Mayor Brandon Johnson has similarly demanded more federal help and said the city can’t support more migrant arrivals.
“Let me state this clearly: The city of Chicago cannot go on welcoming new arrivals safely and capably without significant support and immigration policy changes,” Johnson told reporters last week. According to a letter Johnson co-signed with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Chicago has spent some $250 million on housing and supplies for migrants over the past year. Democrat Alderman Raymond Lopez has also issued an open challenge to Biden to tour migrant camps in the city.
Early last month, Massachusetts Democrat Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency over the migrant crisis and urged the federal government to “pass comprehensive immigration reform.”
However, even as some elected Democrats start to experience the negative downstream effects of Biden’s handling of the border – something communities in border states have been dealing with for years – most still don’t seem to understand that the problem is with liberal immigration policy itself, not just Biden’s implementation of it.
Healey, Johnson, and Adams, for instance, have suggested that if Biden simply expedites work permits for new migrants, the crisis will suddenly resolve itself – a solution that only encourages more people to cross the border illegally and puts more strain on already overwhelmed law enforcement agencies.
Blue city mayors have also directed their frustration in part at surrounding counties for refusing to house and feed migrants – as if shifting their problem to other local leaders is somehow a responsible course of action.
If Democrats truly want to solve the migrant crisis plaguing their communities, it will take a reckoning with the inherent flaws in their own beliefs about immigration policy. It will also take direct and persistent pressure on Joe Biden and Democrats in Washington to reverse course, a prospect that thus far seems highly unlikely.
Andrew Abbott is the pen name of a writer and public affairs consultant with more than a decade of experience in DC at the intersection of politics and culture.
Now they’re frustrated? . . . 2 1/2 years and 8 illegal immigrants later? . . . What are they frustrated about? That’s 8 million potential Democratic voters later but oh, for some reason they’ve probably lost 8 million “former” Democrats who aren’t happy with “Open Borders” letting in mostly thieves, crooks and other people with questionable backgrounds! As I’ve stated here before: “STUPID IS, STUPID DOES!” JACKASS JOE is a TRAITOR!
Well, NYC, how is the “illegal” migrants situation working out for YOU? NYC is a “sanctuary” city right. You should be welcoming them with open arms and “FINANCES”.
This clown is the worst since Nobummer….
Destruction is the goal. Why has he not been impeached?
Very good article Mr. Abbott , I do believe that taking the crime situation into consideration it is probably better to think of this matter — people coming into the Country from other countries — as an invasion and not an immigration matter. Too many things going on , with too many people to deal with, would be one reason for the serious problems involved. For those who are genuinely good people, people of good character, who are in need of help, I would believe in providing some help to them on a temporary basis , a few months or so. The others who are not good people of good character — well, they should not be entering the Country. This is the United States of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. And some of the crimes connected to the illegal border crossings need to be dealt with accordingly. Meaning that defending the borders should be a priority. There are standards for everything and Liberty has a set of standards. Those standards can be found in part within the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights. In the spirit of everything that encourages good character, good citizenship, respect for law and the will of God, respect for life and Liberty. Let’s keep in mind the values of Faith, Family and Freedom. And the importance of having a sense of purpose, and living by a code of conduct that includes Honor, Honesty, Integrity, Courage and Loyalty. Respect for Truth at the foundation.
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8 million homeless illegal aliens allowed to waltz right in the the US. Allowed by Biden which is an illegal act by the written immigration laws. Where’s the impeachment, when’s the trial, where’s the crats acknowledgement of this, the biggest disaster in US history, made by a sitting president?? Makes anything Trump’s done look mundane at best.
Boo hoo. People you got what you wanted. Whay are you getting all twisted?? This is the agenda you voted for..right? Cry me a river. When are stoopid people going to learn that being lead like sheep by progressive commies might not be the path you take. Just saying. Reap what you sow and like it!!
Finish the wall, and close the gates. This aint Bula land. Kyle L.
He is finishing what Obama started
But dem robots will still line up to vote for biden, harris, or castros ghost. Polls show trump and the president neck and neck. As the article mentions, dem robots aren’t critical of open borders. They just want a gusher of federal money to pay the costs.
They’re “frustrated”? They’re just getting an INKLING of what border states endure. As John McClane once said “Welcome to the party, pal!”
Good to see more Dem divide right
Talk, talk and more talk and polls but come November 2024 the dems will vote for ole Joe along with independents and RINOs. People are not standing up now yes a little here a little there but not enough that it moves across the country. Plus MSM gives them no voice. Every dem and independents are staying quiet. I for one would like to know why this is. I have ideas as to why but after almost 3 years of this administration I see no opposition. I’d like to know is everyone in agreement with their trans policy, education policy, Ukraine policy, border policy, their fossil fuel non policy and their electrifying America when there is not enough power to power America now. I wish a study was done on that.
SO glad I’m no longer a New Yorker. Giving these people “work permits” will do absolutely nothing to fix the issue. Bottom line is that until they secure the border and stop the influx this will just continue to get worse.
Lets have more bus rides going north. Let them eat cake.
Will someone tell me why there are no busloads of illegals going to Wilmington, DE?
This is an invasion, plain and simple. Demoncrats are trying to kill American citizens with the jabs and other things, but want these people here for voting, how is that since they can’t legally vote for YEARS on end. They are not made or were not made to have had the death jabs. Biden and his ilk are the absolute worst admin, coup admin for sure, this country has EVER had.
Frustrated, speak when thoroughtly pissed and willing to do something of a serious nature.
We will be decades recovering and by then Biden and the hidden no good SOBs long gone.
Where is the American spirit?
As a resident of AZ, we see first hand the terrible toll these “policies” have had – education and health to mention two. Yet you can bet that if Michele O becomes the next Democrap candidate she will win and continue this abysmal situation. New Yorkers, as an example, will not connect the dots between her and immigration.
Let us remember this policy is not Biden alone, rather it is the consequence of the entire democrat party unwilling to take on immigration reform.
It’s about time.
My only comment to these Dems and everyone who voted for FJB: YOU VOTED FOR THIS!!!! You’ll find my sympathy in the dictionary between s**t and syphilis!! All who voted for Brandon can make it right by not voting for Democrats, which is a pretty low expectation for the Communists since they vote lock step for anyone who has a D after their name.
Good, I have an even better way to drive a fork in the situation. Send the illegals directly after the homes and families of these allies. They all have 2×4 mentalities, in need of a 2×4 upside the head on an hourly basis.
Surprisssssee…..the operative function of creating a communist climate in a target nation is to create as much CHAOS as possible in as many areas as possible–management vs. labor; parents vs. children; immorality vs. religion; school boards vs. parents, racial groups striving; police vs. radical groups, loosing criminals onto the public, etc. Any of that happening here? America needs to seriously realize that we are under attack.
Well, they got that wrong. Biden’s top allies are the CCP and the Iran ayatollahs.
The neo-nazi group in Florida which goes by the (comical) name of ‘Blood Tribe’ just endorsed Joe Biden. So has the sickening race hate group Ku Klux Klan, of which Biden is a longtime associate member of since the 1980s. Other neo-nazi groups have also joined in the endorsements since they recognize one of their own, namely Joe Biden, who has a long track record of being anti-civil rights, vicious racism, and pro-segregation.
P.S. Thank you AMAC for letting me comment. Something AOL wont do. Kyle L.
Glad they are frustrated!
Finally something we can all agree on…
Huh, the truth is that Biden and his entire cabinet are his greatest downfall! I AM NOT BETTER OFF TODAY THAN I WAS THREE YEARS AGO!
Democrats who do not agree with the Progressive Democrats in control of the DNC need to either speak up, change political parties or just shut up and take what they get. I have no doubt there are still reasonable and rational Democrats in the DNC, but they are so scared of being attacked by the Progressive Democrat machine they won’t oppose things that are ridiculous.
His supporters are not frustrated over the border policy they are only frustrated about not getting more money. As the NY mayor has said ‘ Show me the money’. This is all they care about when it comes to immigration. Well also the new voters.
The democrats who helped elect Biden are beginning to see why the rest of us did not.
I suspect he will pay no attention to them. He is beyond caring what anyone else thinks.
It seems to me that if these “allies” had spoken up long before the three year mark about the open border and illegals flowing across the border!!! What did anyone, especially these allies, think was going to happen?? You can’t allow millions of additional people to enter the country who have no money, no jobs, no sponsors, no food, no housing, no healthcare, no education, no transportation without some serious consequences!! Now we have additional millions of people on the public dole without any extra income from them!! The elite Democrats don’t care if they bankrupt the country because they are on the payrolls of any country that might take us over so they think they will be exempt from any of the horrors that will be placed on the average, ordinary citizens!!! I’m disgusted, frustrated, aggravated, generally depressed and pissed off!!!
Does not matter how frustrated they become, as ideologue ignorant idiots, they will continue to vote democrat. The only thing we can do to save this country to vote them out of office and clean house of the leftist hierarchy in every agency within the federal government.
Conservatives can no longer play by the rules. Once conservatism regains control, flush the leftist, who have been destroying this great nation, out of the federal government. We know who has been corrupting the government, time to get rid of them by force if necessary. Biden, Garland, Schumer, Pelosi, Wray, Myorkas, McConnell (yes even RINOs), Austin, Milley and all the others.
We also have corrupt judges who are failing to rule impartially, they too must go so that we can restore the rule of law. Once that is accomplished we must begin working on state level corruption. Every state and city that is being run by democrats have crime rates well above the national average. Those corrupt elected officials and District Attorneys need to be eliminated.
Democrats have succeeded beyond their wildest expectations. The border is open. The DHS secretary’s lie about the border being under control only fools the fools who are ignorant enough to get all of their news from CNN. AOC isn’t complaining. Hillary doesn’t need to build a bridge because illegal aliens from around the world don’t mind paying the Mexican cartels to smuggle them in. MS-13 thinks Biden is the greatest. Terrorists think he is a fortuitous useful idiot. For the Democrats who want a revolution, the de-fund the police movement and Soros DAs are making things increasingly dangerous for average citizens. Soon America will be ready for a strong leader to come in and impose martial law to make things safe again. Of course, it will work so well that suspending our Constitutional rights on a permanent basis will be accepted as the price of reclaiming our streets and not being killed or mugged. If Republicans can get their act together in an unusual spirit of cooperation and give Americans a reason to vote Democrats out of office, the course of events can be changed. Unified Republicans have not been a recent occurrence. Are Democrats concerned about the border? I’m not so convinced.
when they speak of immigration reform, they mean Amnesty plain and simple, they hate the people that built this country so bring in every country on the planet to make sure the country that families here for centuries built are blamed for everything, hate the white man in other words. It’s too late, our Government have brought in people from countries that want to ruin the place they came to.
Keep sending illegal border crossers to the south side of Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, the Bronx, Baltimore, D.C. LA and Compton. Let gang members thin the herd. It’s the mayors of sanctuary cities who had open arms that are screaming the loudest now that they are being flooded with immigrants.
So, this writer thinks “62% of Democrats” approving of the current state of immigration failure is “an unusually low level of approval.” Are you insane? You don’t see the absolutely horrendous problem with that? Same goes for those polls showing about 1/3 of respondents approving of Biden’s overall performance. Something is very wrong with the people(notice I didn’t say Americans) in this country if those polls are even close to accurate.
Bottom line: no matter where you stand in politics, if you can’t see where the socialist, Marxist, Communists are taking us, you are blind.
Just think. NYC is spending $160,000 per migrant this year. Astounding when you think the medium household income for a family of our is around $70,000.
NYC would be better off giving each migrant $20,000 a year and say, go find your own damn housing and food.
Hmmm…now people are finally beginning to realize that there is a cost to all this? And guess who is paying for it? Of course…YOU…the taxpayer. And now you can understand why Democrats will be pushing for that $4.7 trillion tax increase this fall.
?
Nations have borders and enforce them. Joe Biden has demoted the USA to a region.
Many of the immigrants are willing to work hard and I respect that, but they depress the wages uneducated American workers can expect. We are importing poverty for our lower class and creating wealth for wealthy few.
All that aside, Joe Biden’s job is to enforce existing laws passed by Congress. He is not doing that. We need remind Joe that that this is a nation of laws, and he was hired to serve the American people, not only the wealthy.
Our futurists predict AI and robotics will replace 30% or more of low-end jobs over the next decades. Does it make since to import more poorly educated workers, who do not even speak English?
Politicians warn Social Security and Medicare are going broke. Does since to burden the country with free housing, health care, transportation and education for millions of immigrants who come here illegally? To what extent is this driving the depletion of funding of SSN and Medicare for citizens? This transfer of wealth, at the heart of socialism, is destroying our nation.
Immigrants and those who speak for them do not like being called illegals. They compare breaking immigration law to parking tickets, but American are made to pay their parking tickets and acknowledge the rule of law. Come here legally, obey our laws and learn English and we will all welcome you.
Sanctuary cities protesting against having illegals shipped to them reminds me of school integration in the 1960s. As long as school integration was occurring in the South, most Northerners favored school integration. After all, it was not affecting them. However, when school integration moved northward, many changed their minds — as shown by White flight to the suburbs. One of the most violent protests against school integration occurred in Boston.
How does this a**hole President get even the smallest percent of people to approve of the job he is doing
the jerkoffs that approve of anything this scumbag has done are definitely brain dead
The only thing Democrats are “frustrated” about is their poll numbers because of Bidens policies and the loss of their position of power.
Ridiculous, another bailout for Red States and Cities by Feds, our tax dollars for liberal BS policies. The outrage from these does not about Biden’s Border Policies, it’s whining about not getting Feds to pay for it!
Paragraph 7’s first mention of “Adams” left me a bit disoriented as I scanned upwards to locate a previous identification that would confirm what the context would suggest is New York Mayor Eric Adams. A bit sloppy on an otherwise well-crafted article.