Biden promises Texas shelter for young migrants ‘won’t stay open for very long’

President BidenJoe BidenHouse Democrats Pass .9T COVID-19 Relief Bill with Minimum Wage Increase Biden to Hold Virtual Bilateral Meeting with Mexican President Over 300 accused in connection with Capitol Riot MORE On Friday, vowed that a shelter for young migrants in Texas “won’t stay open very long” amid bipartisan criticism over his administration’s decision to reopen the facility for migrants aged 13 to 17.

Critics saw the opening of the establishment in Carrizo Springs, Texas, similar to the intransigent immigration tactics of the ancients President TrumpDonald Trump Biden to hold virtual bilateral meeting with Mexican President Over 300 accused in connection with riot at Capitol Hill Trump Jr: There are ‘a lot’ of GOP incumbents who should be challenged MOREadministration of his administration, although Biden insisted that his administration’s approach was different.

“Our hope and expectations are that we won’t be staying open for very long, that we will be able to allow every child who crosses the border safely to be accommodated in a licensed facility,” said Biden. in an interview with Univision on Friday.

Biden said the shelter was opened because “thousands” of unaccompanied migrant children were crossing the border. He added that his administration had been able to place “a significant number” in shelters across the country.

The New York Times reported that more than 2,000 young unaccompanied migrants were intercepted by border patrol last week.

The president said his administration was working to connect young migrants with their families while awaiting a hearing.

“Bring them to the families they’ve come to see here or are looking for. And we’ve already connected thousands of them for the way and so that’s our hope is to reunite these kids with families while waiting for a hearing, ”Biden told Univision.

The interview marked the first time Biden has spoken directly about the situation. The White House previously said it was a temporary measure needed to keep young migrants safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

During an appearance on “The View” Thursday, White House press secretary Jen psakiJen PsakiBiden to hold virtual bilateral meeting with Mexican President Overnight Defense: Biden sends message with air strike in Syria | US reports point to Saudi crown prince in Khashoggi murder | Pentagon launches civilian commission on sexual assault, Biden administration, to give Congress full confidential briefing on strikes in Syria by next week READ MORE said it was not like Trump’s policy and insisted it was the “best decision” to keep children safe due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“In the days of COVID, that meant we had to open an additional facility so that we could have educational services, so that we could have legal services, so that we could have medical and health services and these children be treated humanely, until we can find suitable homes, family placements for these children, ”she said.