President Joe Biden opened a can of cankerworms while addressing donors at a campaign fundraising event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. At the event, Biden spoke about the importance of immigration and its effects on a country’s economy.
Biden’s open border policy, which led to a migrant surge in the US, received criticism across the aisle over the past few months. However, the President maintains that migrants are important to the country’s economic growth. During his speech, Biden took a swipe at Japan and India, comparing the countries to Russia and China.
He slammed Japan and India, accusing both countries of being “Xenophobic” and unwelcoming to migrants. Before Biden’s speech at the event, the White House hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Similarly, the White House hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
Hence, it’s clear both countries are US allies. While speaking to the audience, which was predominantly Asian American, Biden noted that the nation’s economy was growing “because of you.” Furthermore, he discussed the upcoming US elections, saying it would be about “Freedom, America, and Democracy.”
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Biden also compared the economic situation of Japan, India, China, and Russia to that of America, which he described as “strong.” He noted that the countries face economic challenges because they do not want migrants.
“Immigrants are what makes us strong,” Biden said, pointing out that the influx of migrants meant an influx of workers ready to contribute to the country’s economic growth. Notably, Biden’s remarks did not elicit a response from the Indian and Japanese governments.
White House National Security spokesman John Kirby also buttressed Biden’s point. He said the President values the partnership between the US and her allies. When asked about Biden’s xenophobic comments, Kirby noted that the President meant no harm.
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Biden’s comments come as Japan struggles with a shrinking population. According to reports, the country’s birth rate dropped significantly in 2023 for the eighth consecutive year. Kishido described the low birth rate as the country’s “biggest crisis.” Notably, Japan is famous for its strict immigration policies.
However, the country has shifted its stance on immigration, opening up to immigrants from other countries. Conversely, India has become the country with the largest population, nearing 1.5 billion. As earlier stated, Biden’s remarks at the campaign fundraising event quickly raised eyebrows.
Critics pointed out that the economy Biden is boasting of is seeing its worst year, with skyrocketing inflation and unemployment rates. Furthermore, they pointed to the border crisis, which saw Texas Governor Greg Abbott launch Operation Lonestar.
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Abbott’s operation saw thousands of migrants bused down to sanctuary cities, including New York, Chicago, and Denver. Biden’s handling of the border crisis has put a dent in his reelection bid, as several polls showed that Americans considered immigration as their top concern.
Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, will face off against Biden in the upcoming election. Unlike Biden, Trump has pledged to involve the use of force against illegal migrants if he returns to the White House.
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