Biden vows border ‘shut down’ if Congress passes deal

US President Joe Biden has expressed support for a bipartisan Senate border deal that grants him the authority to close the southern border “when it becomes overwhelmed.” 

In a statement on Friday, Biden said that if given this authority, he would use it immediately upon signing the bill into law. 

Describing the deal as the “toughest and fairest” set of reforms to date, he called on lawmakers to pass it, even as objections arise from both the right and left. 

Former President Donald Trump has also sought to undermine the deal, advising Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to only accept it if it is “perfect on the border”.

As the pressure mounts on Biden to address the US-Mexico border situation, the upcoming presidential election, where he is likely to face off against the immigration-hardliner Trump, adds significance to the immigration debate. 

The border issue has gained prominence among voters, with concerns over immigration influencing primary victories in Iowa and New Hampshire for Trump.