A Country Without Borders Podcast Summary with Ben Shapiro, Patrick Ryder, Chris Coons, John Kirby, Antony Blinken

A Country Without Borders

1-Page Summary

Border Crisis

In 2023, the United States experiences a dramatic spike in illegal border crossings, with an estimated 3.1 million attempts. Ben Shapiro identifies that 600,000 people, known as "known gotaways," have managed to enter the U.S. undetected, with the possibility of an additional 400,000 "unknown gotaways." Overall, Shapiro notes that 2.4 million individuals successfully crossed illegally, highlighting the magnitude of the crisis.

Shapiro attributes the escalating issue to the Biden administration's reversal of Trump-era policies, specifically the termination of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy and Title 42 expulsions. He criticizes the current administration for not adequately proving the asylum status of the immigrants, and he forecasts an increase in crossings due to these policy changes.

As the 2024 election looms, Shapiro observes an intensification in political rhetoric around immigration. He takes issue with Democrats who request more funding for administrative purposes as opposed to strengthening border security, insisting such actions facilitate cartel activities.

Trump Claims Presidential Immunity Over January 6th

Former President Donald Trump's legal team claims he has presidential immunity regarding the events of January 6th, contending that impeachment is a necessary precursor to any criminal charges while in office. The federal appellate court, however, shows strong skepticism towards this claim, even questioning Trump's lawyers about the extremity of the immunity in hypothetical scenarios involving the ordering of political rival assassinations. The Trump defense team insists that impeachment must come before any charges, despite the extremity of the hypothetical offenses.

Economic Struggles Under Biden Administration

Shapiro discusses the World Bank's forecast predicting a period of global economic stagnation through 2024. They report that global growth is expected to slow for a third consecutive year to 2.4 percent. Shapiro emphasizes that this could be the most sluggish period in over thirty years. The World Bank blames the lack of U.S. leadership, ongoing trade conflicts, and tightening credit conditions for these struggles, signaling a fracturing global economy influenced by a retreat in American international influence.

Constitutional Crisis in Poland

Poland is embroiled in a constitutional crisis, with a major standoff between President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk over the legality of pardons issued by Duda for two MPs convicted of abuse of power. The crisis intensifies as the Supreme Court rules presidential pardons invalid before a final verdict, while the Constitutional Tribunal upholds the president's action. This discord within Poland's judicial branches signifies a grave constitutional jeopardy.

Rise of Right-Wing Nationalist Parties Across Europe

Shapiro reports on the surge of right-wing nationalist parties throughout Europe. In Germany, protests by farmers against the new government regulations on diesel tax and farming methods are clogging highways, potentially aiding the appeal of right-wing groups. In France, Marine Le Pen's nationalist party is leading in the polls, while center-right groups in the European Parliament are steadfast in their refusal to work with these surging right-wing factions. This shift towards right-wing nationalism is a transformative phase in European politics, potentially impacting governance and stability within the union.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

Title 42 expulsions were a measure used during the COVID-19 pandemic to remove individuals who posed a health risk due to potential exposure to communicable diseases. This provision allowed for the immediate expulsion of individuals without holding them in congregate areas for processing. The expulsions were not based on immigration status and were separate from regular immigration processes. The program ended with the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency in the United States.
The "Remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting their immigration court dates in the United States. Initially implemented in 2019 under the Trump administration, it aimed to address the influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border. The policy was terminated by the Biden administration but faced legal challenges, leading to a complex legal battle over its continuation. The policy has been criticized for exposing migrants to risks and challenges while waiting for their asylum claims to be processed.
The Constitutional Tribunal in Poland is a judicial body established to ensure that laws and actions of state institutions align with the country's constitution. It resolves disputes regarding constitutional matters, including the constitutionality of legislation and the activities of political parties. The tribunal consists of 15 judges appointed by the lower house of parliament for nine-year terms. It plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and the separation of powers in Poland.
Center-right groups in the European Parliament are political factions that align with conservative or moderate ideologies. These groups typically advocate for policies that prioritize free-market principles, individual freedoms, and traditional values. They play a significant role in shaping legislation and decision-making within the European Parliament, often forming alliances with other like-minded parties to advance their agendas. The center-right groups may include members from various European countries who share similar political beliefs and work together to influence the direction of the European Union.

Counterarguments

The increase in illegal border crossings could be attributed to a variety of factors beyond policy changes, such as economic conditions in home countries, climate change, or violence and persecution, rather than solely the Biden administration's policies.
The effectiveness of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy and Title 42 expulsions in deterring illegal immigration is debated, and some argue that these policies violate international law or the right to seek asylum.
The term "gotaways" may not accurately reflect the complexity of migration, as it does not account for individuals who may later seek legal status or have legitimate claims for asylum.
The assertion that Democrats are facilitating cartel activities by not focusing on border security oversimplifies the issue and does not consider the potential benefits of addressing root causes of migration or improving the immigration system's administrative capacity.
Presidential immunity is a complex legal issue, and there are arguments that no one is above the law, including the president, especially after leaving office.
Economic struggles under the Biden administration could be part of broader global economic challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath, rather than solely due to U.S. leadership or policy decisions.
The constitutional crisis in Poland reflects a broader debate on the balance of powers and the rule of law, and some may argue that checks and balances are functioning as intended when different branches of government hold each other accountable.
The rise of right-wing nationalist parties in Europe may reflect broader societal concerns about globalization, immigration, and national identity, and not all support for these parties necessarily equates to an endorsement of extreme ideologies.

Learn more

What’s happening at the U.S.-Mexico border in 7 charts

(John Moore/Getty Images) The U.S. Border Patrol reported more than 1.6 million encounters with migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border in the 2021 fiscal year, more than quadruple the number of the prior fiscal year and the highest annual total on record.

Key facts about U.S. immigration policies and Biden’s proposed changes ...

In fiscal 2019, the U.S. government awarded more than 139,000 employment-based green cards to foreign workers and their families. The Biden administration’s proposed legislation could boost the number of employment-based green cards, which are capped at about 140,000 per year. The proposal would allow the use of unused visa slots from ...

Ben Shapiro on Migrant Crisis Hitting Major Cities - YouTube

53 Share Save 1.6K views 3 months ago #migrantcrisis #benshapiro #shorts 🎙️ Welcome to Watch Ben Shapiro! 🎙️ 🔥 Dive into thought-provoking discussions and in-depth analysis on politics,...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.

Get access for free

A Country Without Borders

Border Crisis

Over 3 million attempted border crossings under Biden in 2023

Ben Shapiro discusses the increasing issue of illegal immigration and its implications on public resources and policy.

600,000 entered undetected; possibly 1 million total entered undetected

Shapiro notes that, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were 3.1 million attempted border crossings in 2023, with 600,000 people known as "known gotaways" estimated to have entered the U.S. undetected. Additionally, he implies there might be another estimated 400,000 "unknown gotaways," leading to the possibility of around 1 million people who have entered the country without being detected.

2.4 million people successfully crossed the border illegally in 2023

Out of those attempting to cross the border, 2.4 million people were successful, as per Shapiro's discussion. This unprecedented number suggests the extent of the current border crisis.

Biden administration policies blamed rather than asylum seekers

Shapiro critiques the Biden administration for the increase in illegal border crossings.

Ended Trump policies like Remain in Mexico and Title 42 expulsions

He specifically blames the policy decisions of the current administration, such as ending the Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy and Title 42 expulsions, for exacerbating the situation. He suggests these policies are directly tied to the rate of illegal immigration.

Shapiro also points out that many people who have entered have not proven their need for asylum in a court of law. In light of the termination of Title 42, which was a public health order that allowed the U.S. to turn away migrants at the border during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shapiro suggests that even more people are likely to gain entry into the U.S.