President Biden called Japan and India “xenophobic” at an off-camera campaign fundraiser in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, lumping U.S. allies in with China and Russia and saying the U.S. welcomes immigrants. claimed to be correct.
“This election is about freedom, America, and democracy. That’s why I need you so badly. One of the reasons our economy is growing is because of you and so many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” the president said.
“The reason is — look, think about it. Why is China so economically stalled? Why is Japan in trouble? Why Russia? Why India? ? Because they hate immigrants. Immigration makes us stronger. It’s not an exaggeration. Because we want to work here. , because there is an influx of workers who want to contribute,” he added, according to the pool report.
Biden has come under relentless attack from Republicans over immigration, one of many key issues in the 2024 election.
Biden has previously criticized China, citing a lack of immigration as the cause of economic problems, but not Japan, a key Asian ally. He was also selective about Russia, especially during the war with Ukraine.
In addition to China and Russia, Biden also singled out two countries he considers important allies, including India and Japan, especially when it comes to fighting China.
Biden welcomed leaders from both countries to the White House last year. In June 2023, he hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Both were entertained at state dinners.
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