President Joe Biden is contemplating the unilateral closure of the southern U.S. border in an unprecedented move.

This comes as Biden evaluates his legal capacity to act without Congress's endorsement, aiming to address the growing political fallout over immigration.

During a revealing interview with Univision Noticias aired on Tuesday, Biden shared his ongoing deliberation on whether he possesses the legal authority to enforce such a closure independently.

According to Bloomberg News, the discussion of executive measures follows the collapse of a bipartisan Senate bill earlier this year, which would have granted Biden the authority to close the border when daily crossings surpass 5,000. Legislative setbacks have propelled the White House to consider options that historically faced judicial challenges.

Immigration issues have increasingly become a thorny subject for Biden. Public polls from Bloomberg News and Morning Consult show the border as America's second top concern, trailing only behind economic worries.

A significant legislative setback

Biden's venture into potential executive measures comes after the noted failure of a substantial Senate bill. The bill, which had garnered bipartisan support, crumbled following opposition from former President Donald Trump, who persuaded Republicans to withdraw their backing to thwart Biden's legislative win.

"We’re examining whether or not I have that power,” Biden remarked, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

“There’s no guarantee that I have that power all by myself without legislation. And some have suggested I should just go ahead and try it. And if I get shut down by the court, I get shut down by the court. But we’re trying to work that, work through that right now,” Biden elaborated on his considerations.

This contemplation follows the recognition of the United States' insufficient resources to adequately interview asylum claimants and support Border Patrol officers, as Biden acknowledged during the Univision Noticias interview.

Unwavering determination amid challenges

Despite the legislative hurdles and the looming possibility of judicial pushback on any unilateral action, Biden's resolve remains unshaken. The failed Senate bill, according to Biden, was valuable legislation that he hasn't abandoned hope on. “It was a good piece of legislation, and I’m not giving up on it,” Biden affirmed.

The White House's pivot towards considering executive measures underlines a proactive approach to immigration challenges despite the potential for legal obstacles. This situation sheds light on the broader issue of political divisiveness affecting bipartisan efforts to address national concerns.

Conclusion

The unfolding narrative around President Joe Biden's consideration of unilateral action to close the southern U.S. border underscores a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States.

Faced with legislative challenges, the potential for judicial scrutiny, and the pressing need to address border issues, Biden's administration finds itself at the intersection of legal authority and political necessity. The journey toward resolving this significant national issue promises to test the limits of executive power, the resilience of bipartisan cooperation, and the administration's commitment to its immigration policy goals.