Attorney General Jason Miyares, along with a coalition of 20 attorneys general, has taken a stand against the Biden administration's handling of immigration policies. Joining forces in filing an amicus brief, they aim to support states in their efforts to curb illegal immigration activities.
Miyares expressed concern over the impact of President Biden's actions on the country, stating, "Every single state has become a border state thanks to President Biden’s mishandling of the southern border. Despite it being clear that the drugs and illegal immigrants flooding our country are hurting every single community, President Biden refuses to defend his own immigration laws. It’s wrong, reckless, and doesn’t make sense."
The coalition's brief, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, supports states such as Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and West Virginia in their motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the Biden administration's "Circumvention of Lawful Pathways" rule. The attorneys general argue that states have a vested interest in defending immigration rules and preventing the administration from circumventing established procedures.
The lawsuit, originally brought by asylum seekers and activists in M.A. v. Mayorkas, challenges a provision that deems individuals crossing the Southern border with Mexico presumptively ineligible for asylum in the United States. Despite the initial intent to defend the rule, the Biden administration is currently in settlement talks with the plaintiffs, raising concerns among the coalition members.
In a united effort, attorneys general from Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia, joined by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, have co-led the filing of the brief.
The coalition's actions underscore a growing discontent with the Biden administration's immigration policies and its perceived impact on border security and communities nationwide.