Effects of Biden’s Presidency on America and its relations
On the striking afternoon of 20th January 2021, the United States of America, resonated with the words, “I Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute, the office of the President of the United States and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend, the constitution of the United States. So help me God.” After 78 days of a long wait, president-elect Joe Biden took the oath of office on the west side of the capitol. The inauguration day this time was unlike the previous ones. Due to the Capitol riots of January 6th, the level of security has risen along with the COVID precautions.
What was different? A whole lot of things. The parades were conducted in a more careful and precautionary fashion. According to ritual, the President accompanies the President-elect to the Capitol. But, since President Donald Trump refused to attend the ceremony, that hasn’t taken place. There indeed were no major social gatherings. The family bible used by Biden is the one he used for oaths as a Senator as well as the Vice President. This is used to portray that he isn’t new to the office and has been upholding it ever since. Interestingly, when other rituals had to be postponed, there was one, which got resumed- reading of a poem. Ceremonially, the president chooses a poem that is to be read out on the day of the inauguration. This practice has been resumed after the refusal of Trump in the preceding oath. Though all the preceding presidents chose famous poets like Robert Frost, Biden opted for a 22-year-old laureate. This showed his inclination to the commoners and not the royals.
With the onset of the new presidency, there are multiple areas where the country will be involved and named. International relations-improve or worsen? The economy shall rise or fall? The laws shall remain or change? A lot may happen. A lot has happened. A lot is expected to happen. Read on to find out a few of the impacts of the rise of the Biden Presidency.
Historic impeachment
On the 14th of January 2021, a motion was raised to impeach the Hon’ble President – Donald Trump on the grounds of inciting an insurrection in Capitol Hill against the constitutionality of the United States. Though five of the 50 Republicans tried to block the impeachment, the motion passed with a ⅔ rd majority. Democrats along with 17 of the 50 Republicans voted to proceed with the impeachment. The Senators who voted against the motion justify calling the motion unconstitutional and the proceedings to have been done in a hurry. With such a move, former President Donald Trump becomes the first President to be impeached twice during his service. The trial is to take place on the 9th of February. With such several votes, though the conviction seems to be doubtful, it is an important wait to justice.
US alliance
Antony Blinken, US President-elect Joe Biden’s choice to be Secretary of State vowed on January 19, 2021, that the country will “outcompete China” while reviving the alliances with other nations. This is in stark contrast to the former President’sAmerica First’ policy. “We can outcompete China-and remind the world that a government of the people, by the people can be delivered for the people”, Mr. Blinken said. They promise that the country would remain a preeminent global power and also renew relations with nations to tackle challenges like COVID-19 and climate change. Going against Mike Pompeo, who spoke of “swagger”,” American exceptionalism” and global conflict with China, he promised to deal with utmost “humility”.
With multiple policy changes like the stoppage of building the Mexican wall, the rejoining of WHO, and the Paris Climate Accord, the Biden administration was asked to reconsider ties with China and the UK.
Borris Johnson sought to resume ties between the US and UK to favor the oil trade but the President refused to consider the issue as of now. He mentioned the reasons be the challenges of COVID (as he promised 100 million doses of vaccine within his first 100 day period) and the economic stability of the United States.
The new President is expected to remain tough on the superpower rival (China) but soften the tone and commit to international cooperation. “Over the past few years the Trump administration, especially Pompeo, has buried too many mined in the U.S.-China relations that need to be eliminated, burned bridges that need to be built, and destroyed too many roads that need to be repaired,” said Hua Chunying, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.
Taiwan maritime vows
U.S. State Department was concerned by the Chinese pattern of intimidation in the South China Sea, including Taiwan. Ned Price, a spokesman for the department stated, “We urge Beijing to cease military, diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with its democratically elected representatives.” The State Department ensured to continue to strengthen ties with Taiwan and vowed its defense from Chinese threats while supporting the peaceful resolution of the situation from both ends. To back this up with actions, the USA has sent its aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt to face any kind of intimidation, threat, or in general to provide strong maritime strength and security to Taiwan.
Citizenship Bill
Within his initial days of office, the newly elected President plans to bring sweeping and lasting changes in the country’s policies. He plans to unveil an immigration bill that is expected to benefit nearly 11 million people. This is again in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies with regards to H1B visas as well. Biden is on his way to execute a major campaign promise to the Latino voters and other immigrant communities. Expected to run over hundreds of pages, the legislation states that those living in the U.S. as of Jan. 01. 2021, without legal status, would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements. From then on, it is a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship. The bill favors all those who live in the country without legal status- by giving them an easy path to do so- but fails to keep in mind the border security of the country which is the need of the hour for many Republicans.
Mingle Mexico
Mr. Biden raised a motion in the Supreme Court to cancel the appeals made by the former president with regards to the construction of a southern border wall and ‘remain in Mexico asylum’ policy. On his first day of office, the president proclaims to initially check the legality of the funding for the projects and also comments saying the wall is “not a serious policy solution,” and is “a waste of money that diverts attention from genuine threats to our homeland security.”
The initial case of challenge against the appeal of construction of a wall is scheduled for an oral argument on February 22. The plaintiff (Biden’s side) raises an argument stating that the construction of the wall is a simple waste of military funds and is an unconstitutional infringement of Congress’ authority.
The same applies to the “remain in Mexico” asylum policy wherein the hearing is scheduled to take place on March 1. Though the Trump administration seeks to cancel the case of Wolf v. Innovation Law lab, it stands to be unsuccessful. This is the case wherein the plaintiff challenges the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program which took effect in 2019 and kept thousands of immigrants, waiting on the other side of the southern border while their asylum claims process. However, due to the Biden administration’s raise of proclamation, the case is subject to discussion and the Department of Homeland Security published a statement announcing suspension for registering into the MPP program.
Ray of Hope remains…
“Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans.
This is America’s day.
This is democracy’s day.
A day of history and hope.
Of renewal and resolve.”
Said, ensured, and comforted the 46th President of the United States of America, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.