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Democrats up pressure on White House over migrants and the border on October 5, 2023 at 9:00 am
The White House is increasingly facing pushback over its attempts to address the flow of migrants across the southern border from a somewhat unexpected source: Democratic allies.
Even Biden campaign surrogate Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) wrote a letter to the administration this week expressing concerns about how migrants arriving in his state from Texas are straining resources. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) spoke with White House officials on Sunday about the same topic.
Republican lawmakers have relentlessly criticized the White House for the surge of migrants at the border, but the fact that more and more Democrats are pressing the issue — including those actively trying to get President Biden reelected — underscores how much of a problem it may be for the White House.
“Biden has to do what he can to secure the border and make the case he cares as much about border security as fairness for undocumented immigrants. Immigration remains a tender spot for Democrats, and Republicans know it,” said Jim Kessler, a co-founder of centrist think tank Third Way.
Following his call with senior White House aides on Sunday about the migrant issue, Pritzker wrote to Biden outlining specific requests the state had as it seeks to accommodate thousands of migrants who were sent there from border states.
Pritzker asked for a single federal official to oversee the situation at the border, the waiving of fees for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) applicants and the allocation of additional federal funds to states such as his that are welcoming thousands of asylum-seekers.
When asked Wednesday about Pritzer’s outreach, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pointed to the $4 billion in funding for the border in the president’s budget that has been blocked by Republicans. The White House has often argued that Biden has taken action by surging resources at the border and working with other countries to try to deal with the issue.
But other Democrats at the state and local level have also raised concerns.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) over the weekend said the U.S.-Mexico border is “too open.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) in August declared a state of emergency because of rapidly increasing numbers of migrant families arriving in the commonwealth and straining its shelter system.
And New York Mayor Eric Adams’ (D) has had a months-long confrontation with Biden over the influx of some 100,000 migrants coming into his city over the last year. Adams, who once dubbed himself the “Biden of Brooklyn,” has been outspoken about the need for more federal assistance.
“I think the president has done a great job, we’ve stood side by side around crime, we stood side by side around environmental issues, but on this issue, I believe the White House is wrong,” Adams said Tuesday.
While Adams’s combative approach is likely a political liability for Biden going into 2024 and threatens to fuel Republicans who are already focused on the southern border, some see Pritzker’s status as a close ally to the president as a way in to help solve the problem.
And strategists agree Biden is essentially assured of winning deep-blue Illinois, Massachusetts and New York in 2024, even if those governors are seeking more help.
“Governor Pritzker is doing his job, and using his voice to raise the problem to an ally is the right move. One of Biden’s most vital attributes to reelection is his leadership skills. Strong leaders take signals like this and use them to operate more effectively. I suspect when it’s all said and done, this administration will take it in that vein,” said Ivan Zapien, a Democratic lobbyist and former executive director at the Hispanic Leadership Council of the Democratic National Committee.
Former Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.), a Biden ally, argued that Democrats in 2024 won’t abandon the president over the issue.
“The rapid inflow of asylum seekers has stressed resources in cities and states around the nation, and it’s understandable that governors and mayors are asking for assistance from the federal government. But does this mean Biden’s political allies will abandon him? No. The alternative is worse,” Carney said.
Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients spoke with Adams recently, but the president hasn’t directly talked to the mayor since earlier this year. Meanwhile, Hochul came to Washington in August to discuss the New York migrant situation, a meeting that Biden didn’t personally attend.
With the calls to expand TPS growing louder, Biden administration officials are wary of expanding the program too quickly and tying up the entire program in litigation. The program allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States if repatriation to their native lands presents a risk, and expanding it could ease the strain on shelter space ahead of winter and next year’s election.
Administration officials have repeatedly condemned efforts by border state leaders to bus migrants into liberal areas and have defended the president’s efforts to address the flow of migrants and the situation at the southern border.
“The president, without the help of Republicans, is doing everything that he can to deal with the border. That’s what he’s been able to do, while Republicans tried to push forth a [continuing resolution] to limit — to take away the federal agents that we see at the border. That’s what he’s trying to do,” Jean-Pierre said this week.
The White House has also repeatedly argued it is up to Congress to pass meaningful immigration reform and noted that Biden presented a sweeping immigration proposal right after taking office in 2021.
But Biden allies agree with Democrats in blue states that outreach to the White House about the migrant situation is warranted and that the lines of communication, with or without Congress, need to stay open.
“It’s important that the Biden administration do all it can to assist states and cities being impacted by the wave of asylum seekers,” Carney said. “If I were a governor or mayor, I’d ask the White House for help too.”
The White House is increasingly facing pushback over its attempts to address the flow of migrants across the southern border from a somewhat unexpected source: Democratic allies. Even Biden campaign surrogate Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) wrote a letter to the administration this week expressing concerns about how migrants arriving in his state from Texas…
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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”
London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.
Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.
This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.
The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.
Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:
• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum
• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria
• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico
• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament
• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia
• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia
• Former President of Tanzania
• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum
• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria
• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia
• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom
• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom
• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum
• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast
• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature
• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo
• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)
• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto
• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia
The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:
“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”
The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.
What Trump Is Saying
Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.
How Taxes Work Now
Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.
Questions From Experts
Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.
What Congress Must Do
The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.
What It Means Right Now
For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.
The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.
“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”
U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.
Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.
The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.
Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.
Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.
As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.
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