The fable of the dog in the manger is a classic story attributed to Aesop. The plot revolves around a dog that, without having any interest in eating the vegetables in the garden, also prevents anyone else from enjoying them. The story highlights the irrational pettiness of those who hinder the well-being of others. Although this story is over 2,500 years old, it remains very relevant, as we can see in the recent immigration fiasco in Washington, DC.
Despite Republican leaders spending years pushing the idea that securing the border is a “top priority” and demanding urgent legislation on the matter, when it finally arrives, Donald Trump asks them to sabotage their own tough border reform, the most stringent in decades, because it does not benefit his reelection campaign.
Politically profiting from a crisis
The situation at the border is delicate. Every day, thousands of immigrants undertake a dangerous journey in an attempt to reach the United States for a better life. And since no plans or measures have been implemented to improve the living conditions in the countries these immigrants come from, it is expected that this painful reality will continue.
The Biden administration pushed for a bill, incorporated into the supplemental budget, that seeks to increase border controls, even going as far as closing the border if a certain number of immigrants is exceeded.
What is the new border law?
The “Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act for 2024” was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators on Sunday, February 4, at night. It establishes an “emergency authority” that allows, and in some cases requires, the government to summarily expel immigrants seeking asylum at the southern border.
Additionally, asylum seekers would face stricter standards in screening interviews, and their cases would be expedited, with final decisions issued in months rather than being referred to immigration courts (which can take years). This measure is so harsh that it raised significant concerns about the implications for due process in asylum cases.
This tough immigration law was the golden dream of Republican lawmakers, but it was they themselves, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, who obstructed it from proceeding. The reason? Petty political calculation.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the agreement on his Truth Social platform, saying that toughening border measures would not benefit his reelection campaign. He suggested that maintaining the idea of an uncontrolled border would garner more votes for him.
This is the fable of the dog in the manger for the year 2024. Republicans speak firmly about the border and national security, and then, when they have the opportunity to do something about it, they don't want anything to happen; in fact, they are obstructing their own bill.
You may be interested: Will Immigration Reform Be Approved After the Presidential Elections?
Let's be demanding of our politicians
This is an election year, and we must take it seriously. It is crucial that we realize which candidate genuinely seeks solutions to the country's problems. Let's not be impressed by trivial bravado or the empty rhetoric of politicians. Even less should we settle for incomplete and superficial election information from social media. Let's be critical voters; let's consider that our vote will shape the future of our country.