Biden vows in a bipartisan measure to "shut down" the border if given the power

When the border is "overwhelmed," President Joe Biden promised on Friday to stop crossings if Congress passes bipartisan immigration legislation granting him that power.

In a forcefully worded statement, Biden threw his support behind a Senate immigration compromise that is now in the works, one that former President Donald Trump is trying to sabotage since it might give his opponent in November a legislative win.

“What’s been negotiated would — if passed into law — be the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border we’ve ever had in our country,” Biden said Friday night. “It would give me, as President, a new emergency authority to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed. And if given that authority, I would use it the day I sign the bill into law.”

The border is "broken," according to Biden, who has recently voiced hope that a bipartisan agreement may be reached soon. He also stated that "it's long past time to fix it."

“Securing the border through these negotiations is a win for America. For everyone who is demanding tougher border control, this is the way to do it,” he said. “If you’re serious about the border crisis, pass a bipartisan bill and I will sign it.”

Republicans in Congress, especially in the House, have stated that they will only approve aid for Ukraine if it is combined with stricter immigration laws.