In a significant reversal of his campaign promises, President Joe Biden's administration has decided to waive more than 20 federal laws, including environmental regulations, in order to construct barriers along the Southern border. This decision comes as the administration is faced with a surge of migrants crossing the border, particularly in South Texas. The move represents a shift in policy for President Biden, who had previously campaigned against the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The announcement was made by Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, who stated that the waiver of laws was necessary in order to expedite the construction of sections of the border wall in Starr County, Texas. This area has seen a significant increase in the number of migrants crossing the Rio Grande to reach U.S. soil. Mr. Mayorkas emphasized the need for physical barriers and roads to prevent unlawful entries into the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security published a notice in the Federal Register on Thursday, stating that the secretary had determined the need to waive certain laws, regulations, and legal requirements in order to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads in Starr County, Texas. This decision reflects a shift in the Biden administration's stance on physical wall barriers, which were championed by former President Donald Trump as a key deterrent to unlawful crossings.

The construction projects will be funded by a fiscal year 2019 appropriation for border barrier construction. The White House did not provide an immediate comment on the announcement, but President Trump took to social media to claim victory, stating, "As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls!". He also questioned whether President Biden would apologize for the delay in taking action on a border barrier.

The increase in migrants crossing the border has put a strain on U.S. cities at the border and further north. The mayor of Eagle Pass, Texas, declared a state of emergency last month due to a "severe undocumented immigrant surge" into the city. Similarly, New York City Mayor Eric Adams began a trip to Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador to deliver a message to potential migrants that his city cannot accommodate them.

While the decision to waive federal laws has expedited the construction of the border wall, it has also raised concerns among environmental advocates. The construction will take place in south Texas, potentially encroaching on wildlife refuge land. This use of executive power by the Biden administration has alarmed those who were critical of its frequent use during the Trump presidency.

The number of migrants caught crossing illegally or presenting themselves at legal border crossings has steadily risen after initially dropping when the Biden administration rolled out stricter new asylum rules. The increase in migrants has been attributed to thousands of individuals, many fleeing Venezuela, making their way through south and central America and arriving at the U.S. border.

President Biden and former President Trump may face off again in the next general election, with border issues continuing to be a prominent topic. The Biden administration's decision to waive federal laws for the construction of the border wall reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of immigration policy in the United States.