CNN anchor pushes back on GOP lawmaker regarding president’s power to shut border: ‘You are just wrong’

CNN anchor Brianna Keilar disputed claims by Republican Rep. Josh Brechen (R-Okla.) about President Biden’s ability to close the southern border, telling him, “You’re just wrong.”

Keillard asked Brechen to raise concerns about the bipartisan Senate border agreement, which came after months of negotiations. The bill was approved by the Border Patrol union.

Brechen, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the solution to closing the U.S.-Mexico border has existed for decades, but the current administration refuses to enforce the law.

“The real solution is that it’s already been on the books for decades and they refuse to enforce it,” Brechen said Tuesday. “It took effect in 2017. The number of illegal immigrants was the lowest in 40 years in this country’s history. Still, what’s the difference between 2017 and now? The difference is that the administration chooses lawlessness. The Republicans, on the other hand, are going ahead with it.”

Keillor countered that the law Brechen cited, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, allows people who set foot on U.S. territory without authorization to apply for asylum if they come to the border.

“And if you’re going to cite that bill, you need to be very cognizant of that, because this particular bill on the Senate side is going to change that,” Keillor said. “That would give the president the ability to do what you’re citing, some of the legislation that you’re citing, because former President Trump in November 2018 “He tried to take advantage of the very law that restricts the entry of illegal immigrants,” which was blocked by a federal court on the grounds that it violated the very law he was trying to use. The law you mentioned is in the law. ”

Mr. Brecheen responded by saying Mr. Biden had used the law before, and said the comment prompted further backlash from Mr. Keilar.

“The law is on the books. President Biden took advantage of that system on Day 5 when it came to Brazil, South America, South Africa, excuse me, the United Kingdom. He took advantage of that, the provisions of that law.” said Brechen.

“Congressman, that doesn’t apply to asylums,” Keillor said.

The bipartisan border agreement finalized in writing on Sunday already faces a fatal blow in the Senate, with Senate Republicans backing away from consideration of the bill and more than half of the Republican conference opposed the bill. There is. Several months in the making.