Biden urges migrants not to 'just show up at the border' to immigrate to the U.S.

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, President Biden said people from Central and South America should not try to immigrate to the U.S. by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully. “Do not just show up at the border,” he declared.

Video Transcript

JOE BIDEN: These four countries, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti, these four countries account for most of the people now traveling into Mexico to try to start a new life by crossing the border into the United States of America on the Southwest border. We anticipate this accident is going to substantially reduce the number of people attempting, attempting to cross our Southwest border without going through a legal process.

In fact, today, I'm announcing that Mexico has agreed to allow up to return up to 30,000 persons per month who try, get caught, and get sent back from those four countries who are apprehended while attempting to unlawfully cross the border, the Southwest border. My message is this, if you're trying to leave Cuba, Nicaragua or Haiti, or have agreed to begin a journey to America, do not, do not just show up at the border. Stay where you are, and apply legally from there.

Starting today, if you don't apply through the legal process, you will not be eligible for this new parole program. Let me reiterate, you need a lawful sponsor in the United States of America, number one, and you need to undergo a rigorous background check. Number two, if your application is approved and you show up at a US airport, or when and where directed-- excuse me-- you have access. But if your applications is denied, or you attempt to cross into the United States unlawfully, you will not be allowed to enter.