Republicans are raging against the Red Cross, accusing the organization of aiding illegal immigration at the U.S. southern border. Texas Republican Representative Chip Roy charged the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, of providing migrants with maps and information to facilitate their journey to the U.S.
The migrant issue has become a focal point for Republicans as they gear up for the 2024 election, with some supporters expressing concerns over what they perceive as “invasion assistance” by the Red Cross and other NGOs.
In posts on X, Roy criticized the International Committee of the Red Cross for allegedly offering migration maps in various languages on its website. Travel to the U.S border is racked with dangers, whether it be from smugglers or the routes themselves, the maps provide detailed outlines for the safest ways of reaching the southern border for individuals who would have likely undertaken the desperate journey anyway.
Roy has advocated for the Secure the Border Act of 2023, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz. This bill aims to cease funding NGOs allegedly involved in aiding illegal immigration and has already passed the House.
President Biden faces mounting pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to address the surging migrant numbers. Biden has called for increased funding to bolster border security, emphasizing the need for additional asylum personnel and immigration judges to expedite claims processing.
However, his requests for additional funding have been met with resistance from congressional Republicans. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled recent Republican actions at the border as political stunts, accusing them of obstructing the president’s efforts to manage the situation.
As Biden prepares for the 2024 reelection campaign, immigration remains a significant challenge. Political analyst Thomas Gift from University College London, in an interview with Newsweek, suggested that the immigration issue, exacerbated by bipartisan political dynamics, could significantly impact Biden’s campaign, with even center-left leaders outside border states expressing dissatisfaction with the White House’s handling of the matter.
