As the U.S. and UK approach important elections, immigration is a major issue for both President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
In the U.S., President Biden is under pressure to control immigration at the US-Mexico border. He has implemented new policies to limit asylum, which contrasts with his earlier promises to restore asylum protections that were removed during the Trump administration.
The increase in migrants has caused public concern and given Biden’s political opponents, especially former President Donald Trump, a chance to criticize his policies. Trump has called for stricter measures, including mass deportations and stronger border security. According to Gallup, immigration is a top concern for American voters, with 56% believing that Biden’s handling of the issue has been negative. Even among Democrats, there is disagreement over the administration's approach.
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In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also dealing with immigration problems as he prepares for the election. He has promised to reduce immigration levels, aiming to differentiate the Conservative Party from the Labour Party, which is currently leading in the polls.
Despite Brexit’s promise of tighter border controls, net immigration remains high, with the latest figures showing 685,000, only a slight decrease from the previous year. Sunak’s government has introduced stricter visa requirements and salary thresholds for immigrants, including international students and care workers, to reduce numbers and address concerns about the strain on housing, education, and healthcare.
One of the most contentious issues is the asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats. Sunak’s plan to send these asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced legal challenges and has not been implemented, adding to the complexity of the immigration debate in the UK.
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