Who closed the boarders, biden or trump
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1. Summary of the results
The question of who "closed the borders" reveals a complex picture where both Biden and Trump implemented significant border restrictions, but through different mechanisms and at different times. The analyses show that this is not a simple either/or answer.
Biden's border actions are well-documented in the sources. President Biden signed an executive action that temporarily shuts down asylum requests at the southern border when daily encounters exceed 2,500 between official ports of entry [1]. This represents a dramatic shift in asylum policy, with the Biden administration implementing restrictions on asylum eligibility for those entering during high encounter periods [2]. The Department of Homeland Security confirms these measures as part of "securing the border" through suspension and limitation of entry for certain noncitizens [3].
Trump's border policies also involved significant restrictions, though they faced legal challenges. The Trump administration attempted to completely shut down asylum at the border, but this effort was blocked by a federal court [4]. However, Trump's administration did take substantial actions, with sources indicating that "President Trump closed the southern border, removed violent criminal illegal aliens, and restored law and order to the immigration system" [5]. More recent claims suggest that "in just 100 days, President Trump and Secretary Noem have not only closed our border but have delivered the most secure border in American history" [6].
The enforcement approaches differed significantly between administrations. While Trump's policies focused on comprehensive immigration enforcement and physical barriers, Biden's approach centered on asylum restrictions triggered by encounter thresholds. Both administrations claimed to have secured the border, but through different policy mechanisms and legal frameworks.
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
The original question lacks crucial temporal context - border policies have evolved continuously, with both presidents implementing restrictions at different times and under different circumstances. The analyses reveal that Trump's initial asylum shutdown attempts were legally challenged and blocked [4], suggesting that legal constraints played a significant role in shaping actual policy implementation versus stated intentions.
Civil liberties organizations provide a critical perspective missing from the question. The ACLU characterizes Biden's executive order as putting "thousands of lives at risk," highlighting the humanitarian concerns that accompany border closure policies [2]. This viewpoint emphasizes that border restrictions have significant human rights implications beyond political considerations.
The question also omits the broader historical context of border security measures. Sources indicate that border enforcement has been an ongoing issue spanning decades, with various administrations implementing different approaches [7]. The implication from some analyses is that Biden's policies led to increased illegal crossings, while Trump's enforcement policies resulted in decreases [8], suggesting that the effectiveness and necessity of border closures may vary based on existing conditions.
Operational definitions are notably absent from the original question. "Closing the borders" can mean different things - from complete shutdown of asylum processing to physical barriers to selective entry restrictions. The analyses show both presidents implemented different types of restrictions that could all be characterized as "border closures."
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The question contains an inherent false dichotomy by suggesting only one president closed the borders. The evidence clearly shows both administrations implemented significant border restrictions, making the either/or framing misleading. This type of framing often serves partisan political narratives rather than factual understanding.
Source bias is evident in the analyses, with government websites from different administrations presenting their own policies in favorable terms. The Trump administration's DHS sources emphasize successful border security achievements [5] [6], while Biden administration sources focus on systematic asylum restrictions [3]. This suggests that official government sources may present selective information that supports their respective policy positions.
The question's phrasing also reflects potential recency bias, as it may be influenced by current political discourse rather than historical accuracy. The analyses show that border restrictions have been implemented by both administrations, but current political messaging may emphasize one over the other depending on the source and timing.
Additionally, the question lacks acknowledgment of legal and constitutional constraints that affect presidential border policies. The fact that Trump's asylum shutdown was blocked by federal courts [4] demonstrates that presidential intentions don't always translate directly into implemented policy, making simple attribution problematic.