Portrait of Barack Obama
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Barack Obama on US Border Security

Security continuity advocate (moderate)

TL;DR

Barack Obama prioritized maintaining and building upon existing border security infrastructure and personnel levels.

Key Points

  • He signed a $600-million bill in August 2010 to fund the hiring of 1,000 new Border Patrol agents and new communications gear.

  • His administration faced criticism for not involving the military in border response, believing the mission was not solely a military issue as of July 2014.

  • He ended the 'Wet foot, dry foot' policy for Cuban migrants in January 2017 to ensure parity in migration treatment.

Summary

Barack Obama's position on US Border Security generally favored continuity with prior administration efforts, focusing on securing the border through personnel and technology rather than large-scale new military involvement. Early in his presidency, his administration's budget proposals for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requested increases for inspections, border control between ports of entry, and technology, building on the foundation established by his predecessor. He publicly stated that securing the southwest border was a top priority upon taking office, while simultaneously advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that addressed both security and legalization pathways. The administration increased enforcement actions and deported numerous individuals, prioritizing those with criminal records or recent border arrivals, actions which sometimes drew criticism from immigration rights groups for being too strict.

His administration was marked by attempts to manage high numbers of asylum seekers, particularly from Central America, leading to policies like the Central American Minors Refugee program, which offered a legal pathway for some minors. However, the desire for comprehensive reform often stalled in Congress, leading the President to utilize executive action, such as expanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which faced legal challenges. This dual approach of increased enforcement alongside efforts for reform defines his complex stance on border security, which was always intertwined with broader immigration policy debates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barack Obama's main focus was on securing the southwest border through personnel and technology, while simultaneously pushing for comprehensive immigration reform. He sought to build upon existing security measures established by the previous administration. His approach aimed to balance enforcement with creating pathways to legal status.

The Obama administration was generally resistant to sending active military forces to the border for the primary security mission, though they were open to considering the National Guard as a temporary measure in 2014. The administration preferred that federal agencies like Customs and Border Protection take the lead in border enforcement.

Increased numbers of asylum seekers, especially from Central America, prompted the Obama administration to implement humanitarian efforts like the Central American Minors Refugee program. This was done alongside increased enforcement actions and a focus on deporting criminals, indicating a mixed strategy for the southern border.