A heated exchange between CNN contributors erupted over illegal immigration policies, with one commentator citing poll results supporting mass deportations and another disputing their accuracy.
CNN pundits Scott Jennings and Maria Cardona engaged in a tense debate over illegal immigration policy and mass deportations on Tuesday's program.
Jennings pointed to a recent CBS poll indicating that 62% of registered voters and 53% of Hispanic voters support mass deportations of illegal immigrants. He claimed that Cardona would be "embarrassed" upon verifying these findings.
CNN Pundits Spar Over Mass Deportation Support Amid Biden's New Migrant Policy
Cardona challenged Jennings' assertion, stating that she had issues with the poll. She highlighted President Biden's efforts to strengthen border security and expand legal pathways for immigration.
"Republicans slam the door on any opportunity that would expand any legal pathways," Cardona said, accusing them of lying about the issue.
CNN Pundits Spar Over Mass Deportation Support Amid Biden's New Migrant Policy
Jennings responded mockingly, suggesting that Cardona should encourage Biden to embrace amnesty as a policy.
"It's not amnesty, Scott," Cardona retorted. "Calling it amnesty is a lazy and incorrect way to describe what‘s going on."
CNN Pundits Spar Over Mass Deportation Support Amid Biden's New Migrant Policy
The debate also touched upon Biden's announcement of new rules allowing some migrants, including the spouses and children of lawful U.S. permanent residents or citizens, to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
The Biden administration estimated that the policy would protect approximately half a million American families, including 50,000 under the age of 21.
Jennings criticized Biden's approach, arguing that it would provide a path to citizenship for individuals who initially entered the country illegally.
Cardona defended Biden's actions, stating that he was attempting to "do this right" by implementing comprehensive immigration reform.
The heated exchange underscored the deep divide over immigration policy in the United States, with differing opinions on the best approach to address the issue.
