Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized President Joe Biden, saying he should be doing more than just the bare minimum.
She made the criticism while speaking with reporters about his handling of the border.
“Last year, President Biden promised to end Title 42. Instead, he is now expanding restrictions on asylum seekers, but the right to seek asylum is enshrined in domestic and international law, and the United States is a shining example. And we have sought and aspired to be an example to uphold international law,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
She continued, “Instead, this administration is making it effectively impossible to seek refuge at our border. The courts rightly rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to categorically end asylum. President Biden should listen to the courts and human rights activists and reverse course.”
The Democrat argued, “There can be no confusing the Biden administration’s immigration policy with the Trump administration’s. But doing better than Trump doesn’t mean — shouldn’t be the bar.”
Watch her remarks below:
Rep. @AOC (D-NY) calls out President Biden, claiming he's made it “effectively impossible to seek refuge at our border”:
— The Recount (@therecount) January 26, 2023
“There can be no confusing the Biden administration’s immigration policy with the Trump administration’s, but doing better than Trump shouldn’t be the bar.” pic.twitter.com/n0cHXe1gQR
Earlier this month, Biden announced the administration would be cracking down on those who are searching for refuge at the border with Mexico.
“Today, my administration is taking several steps to stiffen enforcement for those who try to come without a legal right to stay,” Biden said while delivering remarks at the White House.
He added, “My message is this. If you’re trying to leave Cuba, Nicaragua or Haiti, or have agreed to begin a journey to America, do not, do not just show up at the border.”
Additionally, the president said that as many as 30,000 individuals per month from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti would have the opportunity to enter the United States legally if they are able to get a plane ticket, sponsor, and other requirements, as The New York Times reported.
Biden claimed his approach is different from Trump’s and the policy is meant to grant more opportunities to migrants.
Ocasio-Cortez is not the only one to criticize Biden’s policy.
“The Biden administration should be taking steps to restore asylum law at ports of entry,” Eleanor Acer, the director of the refugee protection program at Human Rights First, told the Times.
She added, “Not doubling down on cruel and counterproductive policies from the Trump playbook.”