Alejandro Mayorkas, the Cuban-born secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and President Joe Biden’s border chief, recently delivered a graduation speech to the U.S Coast Guard Academy in which he made it clear that his primary motivation for supporting increased immigration is his personal connection to the issue, stemming from his parents being refugees themselves. Mayorkas went on to discuss the significant impact of displacement and migration on his own family, emphasizing how his mother’s experiences during World War II and the communist takeover in Cuba have shaped his views on immigration policy.
Mayorkas has faced criticism for his role in overseeing a surge in border crossings since Biden took office, with many attributing this increase to policies that prioritize the needs of businesses above those of American citizens. Critics argue that Mayorkas’s approach disregards the negative consequences of high levels of immigration on Americans and their children, as well as those who seek to enter the country legally.
During his speech at the Coast Guard Academy, Mayorkas acknowledged the importance of maintaining order along the border while still pursuing family reunification and humanitarian relief efforts. He emphasized the need for pragmatism in advocacy and policymaking, stating that if order is not established at the border, it will become difficult to achieve other goals related to immigration reform.
This approach has led some to question whether Mayorkas truly prioritizes the needs of Americans over those of foreign migrants. In a statement released earlier this year, Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Mayorkas’s language and goals on the issue of immigration, further solidifying their shared vision for increased migration levels. With both Mayorkas and Harris expressing support for more migration due to personal connections and perceived benefits for businesses, it is likely that they will continue to collaborate on this issue if Biden secures a second term in office or if Harris takes over as president.
Despite the potential consequences of high levels of immigration, both Mayorkas and Harris remain committed to their pro-migration agenda, believing that it aligns with the best interests of the United States. As such, they will likely continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of businesses over those of ordinary Americans, potentially resulting in a shift in wealth and power towards older investors and migrants at the expense of blue-collar and white-collar workers.