Biden is reviewing his authority to close US-Mexico border

Washington:

U.S. President Joe Biden said in an interview aired on Tuesday that he and his administration are trying to determine whether he has the authority to take action on his own to close the U.S. southern border with Mexico to migrants if deemed necessary.

In an interview with Univision, Biden said he was encouraged to try to go it alone as congressional Republicans stalled bipartisan legislation that would have given him the power to close the border.

“We’re looking at whether I have that authority,” Biden said, adding that without legislation, there was “no guarantee” he would have that authority.

Immigration is a central issue in this year’s presidential campaign. Former President Donald Trump, Biden’s likely Republican opponent in the Nov. 5 election, has accused Biden of botching the border issue.

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