Atlanta, Georgia – President Joe Biden expressed regret for his use of the term “illegal” to describe an undocumented immigrant charged with the murder of a 22-year-old nursing student in Georgia during an interview on Saturday with MSNBC host Jonathan Capehart.
Biden acknowledged his mistake in using the term “illegal” and clarified that he should have referred to the individual as “undocumented.” This statement marks a change from his previous comments, where he had used the term “an illegal” when referencing the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, in a State of the Union address.
The president emphasized the importance of treating immigrants with respect, contrasting his approach with that of former President Donald Trump. Biden highlighted the contributions of immigrants to the country and emphasized the need for border control while maintaining a humane approach.
In the interview, Biden also discussed his relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. He outlined his “red line” regarding certain actions by Netanyahu, indicating that the defense of Israel remains a top priority.
Biden expressed concern about the potential loss of civilian lives in Gaza, emphasizing the need to avoid escalating the conflict further. He emphasized the critical defense of Israel while urging restraint in actions that could lead to a significant loss of life.
Overall, Biden’s comments during the interview reflected his commitment to a more respectful and compassionate approach to immigration policy and international relations, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and humane treatment of individuals.