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       Biden Calls Japan and India ‘Xenophobic’ in Defending U.S. Immigration

       President Biden also referred to Russia and China, saying they “don’t want immigrants.” A spokesman said the president was trying to make a comment about America’s immigrant “DNA,” not insult other countries.

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       President Biden’s comments on Wednesday underscore how he is trying to find a politically palatable balance on immigration as he seeks a second term.Credit...Paul Ratje for The New York Times

       By Michael D. Shear

       Reporting from Washington

       May 2, 2024, 2:35 p.m. ET

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       For months, President Biden has been under pressure to prove he can be tough at the border. But at a campaign reception on Wednesday night, he also tried to voice his commitment to America’s long history of immigration.

       He did so by taking a swipe at two of America’s partners, saying that Japan and India are struggling economically “because they’re xenophobic.” He said the two democratic countries, along with China and Russia, “don’t want immigrants.”

       “Immigrants are what makes us strong,” the president told the crowd of supporters. “Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole, because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and want to contribute.”

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       Michael D. Shear is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, covering President Biden and his administration. He has reported on politics for more than 30 years. More about Michael D. Shear

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