Biden Blasts 'Inflammatory Rhetoric' on Immigration, Wants More Central Americans Brought In

Vice President Joe Biden pushed for more Central Americans to be resettled in the United States in an op-ed published Monday.

In a piece for Univision News, Biden argued that the U.S. should play a larger role in helping residents of Central America find a better home, while at the same time criticizing the "inflammatory rhetoric against immigrants."

"In this heated campaign season, there has been no shortage of proposals for how to address the challenge of immigration on our southern border," Biden wrote. "Build walls. Deport people en masse. And all of it accompanied by a constant stream of inflammatory rhetoric against immigrants.

"These responses tarnish our most closely-held values and ignore our cherished history as a nation of immigrants where the poor and vulnerable have a fair shot to achieve the American dream."

Biden, who met with Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís Monday to discuss immigration issues, said their two nations are working closely together to help families move to the U.S.

"Ultimately, we want the people of Central America to have a future of hope and prosperity in their own countries," Biden wrote. "But those suffering under terrible violence today cannot wait for fundamental change. That's why we've made it easier for vulnerable individuals in Central America to be considered for our resettlement programs.

"And today, President Solis and I will discuss another important step: Costa Rica has agreed to temporarily host refugees from the Northern Triangle as they are processed and screened for resettlement in the United States or elsewhere."

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was scheduled to give a speech about immigration this week but it has been put on hold indefinitely.

• Poll: Most Voters Support Trump's Immigration Plan
  
• Andrew McCarthy: Let's Have Ideological Test For Immigrants