The White House has addressed US President Joe Biden’s ‘xenophobic’ comment by emphasizing that he was conveying a more expansive message.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that America’s allies and partners are fully aware of Biden’s deep respect for them.
According to Jean-Pierre, Biden’s intention was to discuss the significance of the United States being a nation of immigrants and how this diversity strengthens the country. She clarified that his remarks were centered on this aspect.
During a fundraising event, Biden referred to India and Japan, two of the US’s QUAD partners, as well as China and Russia, as “xenophobic”. He highlighted that the economic growth of these nations was being hindered by xenophobia, suggesting that they were not welcoming migrants.
Biden was quoted by news agency Reuters as saying, “One of the reasons why our economy’s growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants.”
In response to queries about the comments during her daily press briefing, Jean-Pierre reiterated that Biden’s focus over the past three years has been on strengthening America’s diplomatic relations with India and Japan, countries with which the US shares a robust partnership.
Jean-Pierre emphasized the significance of the United States being a nation of immigrants and highlighted the importance of addressing recent attacks on immigrants. She reiterated that President Biden will always be forthright in discussing issues that are important to the American people. “Our identity as a country of immigrants is crucial. The President will not avoid discussing these attacks,” she stated.
The White House press secretary stressed the importance of recognizing the US as a “country of immigrants” and clarified that her remarks were intended to elucidate what President Biden was addressing in his comments. “The diversity of immigrants in our country strengthens us. It is crucial to emphasize this,” she added.
During a Democratic Party fundraiser, Biden expressed the significance of freedom, America, and democracy in the upcoming election. He underscored the role of immigrants in the country’s economic growth, stating, “We welcome immigrants, and that is one of the reasons our economy is thriving.”
India and Japan, along with the US and Australia, are part of the QUAD – a strategic security dialogue group.
Biden’s comments were made in response to criticism from opponents and the Republican Party regarding his immigration policies.
