Carine Hajjar has written a much needed article on how states like Massachusetts are feeling the effect of the Mexican border crisis. (I posted on this here and here.) Either party has been forthcoming about what is at the core of the border crisis: a system of awarding asylum which is both vitally important for world harmony and yet is unable to work reliably at today’s scale of global migration. The Biden administration has failed to level with the public about this, leaving even its supporters confused and dispirited. I am struck by how Pamala Harris has not been effectively challenged by the media or by Republicans.

The next administration needs to package asylum reform with other immigration changes.  While comprehensive overhaul seems unlikely, compromise over incremental reforms including asylum policy may – must – work.

Hajjar notes that Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been warning about the burden of migrants crossing the border.

Massachusetts announced limitations to its migrant shelter policies after spending about $1 billion on emergency housing, including offering to pay for travel for eligible families to go to other states.

She writes that the Biden administration’s policies have played a central role in creating this crisis, from rolling back the Remain in Mexico policy to expanding humanitarian parole. [To be sure, the Remain in Mexico policy requires Mexican concurrence.]

Blue state leaders, Hajjar notes, have largely blamed Congress and former President Trump for the crisis, rather than directly criticizing the Biden administration. If Democratic leaders like Governor Healey were to acknowledge the current situation as a “Biden crisis,” it could pave the way for negotiations on border security and comprehensive immigration reform. This I agree with: a limited scope, compromise-arrived at agreement on immigration reform.