Avast ye! Batten down the hatches, mateys! We be needin' to safeguard our borders and lend a hand to our European brethren!
2024-01-19
Arr, mateys! Protectin' our borders and standin' by our trusty European comrades be like two peas in a pod! Them scurvy dogs have discovered the art of exploitin' feeble border protection in Europe and our very own shores!
Every nation has the right and duty to secure its borders, as it promotes stability, reduces conflict, and prevents adversaries from undermining free societies. Congressional Republicans are correct in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression while also demanding border security. Often, people view these issues as separate, with border security considered a domestic matter and foreign threats falling into the category of foreign policy. However, these challenges have always been intertwined.In the past, it was primarily citizens of Mexico looking for work that eluded the U.S. Border Patrol. But now, people from all over the world, including China, Brazil, India, and Russia, are slipping through due to weak enforcement policies. This diverse mix of nationalities reminds us not to overlook the geopolitical aspect. Russia, a top-tier enemy of the United States, has long taken advantage of the West's generosity by weaponizing refugees and migrants against NATO members.
NATO members have accused Russia of ushering migrants to their borders to overwhelm, weaken, and punish them. Finland and Estonia, in particular, experienced a sudden spike in illegal immigration after joining the alliance. These influxes led to border closures and accusations against Russia. Similar situations have occurred in Poland, Lithuania, and other European countries, with Belarus being accused of orchestrating migrant surges to destabilize European borders.
Weaponized migration can also be used against the United States. The surge of illegal crossings into the country is staggering, with some days seeing over 10,000 illegal border crossings from all corners of the globe. The Biden administration's policies that incentivize violating U.S. sovereignty create conditions for migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
During Russia's invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Russians tried to enter the U.S. through the southern border, seeking refuge from Putin's war draft. Chinese nationals have also been crossing the border illegally in significant numbers. In a time of global unrest and with China and Russia seeking to weaken the United States, it is crucial for the U.S. to secure its national border.
Congressional Republicans, by supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression while demanding border security, deserve support from Democrats in Congress and the White House. It is important for the United States to learn from its East and Northern European allies and prioritize both aiding Ukraine and securing its own borders.