The split screen was striking.
President Joe Biden in Warsaw, Poland, expressed unequivocal support for refugees borne out of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. Back home, his administration just hours later announced its toughest policy yet aimed at turning away migrants, many of whom are fleeing persecution and economic ruin in their home countries.
From behind a podium adorning the iconic seal of the US presidency and in front of a set of American, Ukrainian and Polish flags, Biden on Tuesday had delivered a stirring message: America would forever stand with Ukraine on the side of democracy and freedom.
Critical in that fight for freedom, Biden said in remarks ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was taking care of the millions of Ukrainians whose homes, families and livelihoods have been destroyed over the last year.
“Look at what you’ve done so far. Poland is hosting more than 1.5 million refugees from this war. God bless you,” Biden told the crowd gathered at the Royal Castle. “Poland’s generosity – your willingness to open your hearts and your homes – is extraordinary.”
Back at home, that show of appreciation to the Polish people struck a nerve.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Homeland Security and Justice Departments announced the administration’s most restrictive policy yet aimed at curbing the number of migrants seeking to apply for asylum at the US-Mexico border. The newly proposed rule – which would take effect in May and is reminiscent of a controversial policy dating back to Donald Trump’s administration – largely bars migrants who traveled through other countries on their way to the US southern border from applying for asylum in the US.
It marks a significant departure from longstanding protocol, which allows migrants to request asylum regardless of how they…
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