President Joe Biden is attempting a political tightrope walk

The Biden administration has struggled to tackle immigration, a deeply divisive issue for many Americans ahead of November’s presidential election.

“We can both secure the border and provide legal pathways to citizenship, but we must recognize the patience and good will that the American people are being tested by their fears at the border,” Biden said at the White House.

The Democrat is seeking to crack down on illegal migrants while contrasting himself with Donald Trump, whose bid to reclaim the White House is aimed at portraying the country as under attack from what he calls a “migrant invasion.” Biden’s move to protect an entire class of immigrants was immediately condemned by Trump and other Republicans. However, it was welcomed by immigration reform activists previously dismayed by Biden’s new border restrictions.

In his reform speech, Biden said Trump was “trying to play on “Americans’ fears.” The new rules will streamline the process for those already eligible for permanent residence, by removing the requirement that they leave the country as part of the application process.

The rules apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years and married a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024 — an estimated population of about 500,000 people. In addition, approximately 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens are eligible.

Those approved will receive a work permit and the right to stay in the United States for up to three years while they apply for the coveted green card. That would then allow them to apply for full citizenship later.

A senior administration official told reporters ahead of the announcement that the White House accepts that much more is needed to fix the controversial and inefficient US immigration system.

However, “only Congress can enact comprehensive reform of our immigration and asylum laws.”

Originally published as President Joe Biden attempted a political high-wire act