CNN Pundits Clash over Illegal Immigration, Deportations

CNN contributor Scott Jennings and Democratic strategist Maria Cardona engage in a heated exchange on "CNN This Morning," debating public support for mass deportations and the Biden administration's immigration policies.

CNN contributor Scott Jennings and Democratic strategist Maria Cardona engaged in a tense exchange on "CNN This Morning" Tuesday, debating illegal immigration policy and mass deportations.

Jennings cited a recent CBS poll that found 62% of all registered voters and 53% of Hispanic registered voters support mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

CNN Pundits Clash over Illegal Immigration, Deportations

"Mass deportation has majority support in the United States and among Hispanic voters right now," Jennings stated.

Cardona immediately disputed Jennings' claim, saying, "No. That's not true, Scott."

CNN Pundits Clash over Illegal Immigration, Deportations

Jennings retorted, "You can look it up. It is absolutely true," as Cardona attempted to interject.

"When we get off the air and you Google it, you're going to be embarrassed, but it's absolutely true," he added.

CNN Pundits Clash over Illegal Immigration, Deportations

Cardona then insisted that President Biden had made efforts to secure the border despite Republican interference in Congress.

"The very first thing [Biden] did when he walked into the Oval Office was he put a bill together that actually does strengthen border security and expand legal pathways because he wants to do this right," she said, referring to a bill introduced in 2021 that would have created a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Jennings mocked Cardona, saying, "I'm actually just going to give in and say that I think Maria should go over to the White House today and encourage Joe Biden to run on as much amnesty as possible."

Cardona responded, "It's not amnesty, Scott. Calling it amnesty is a lazy and incorrect way to describe what's going on."

The debate also touched on the Biden administration's recent announcement to allow some migrants to apply for lawful permanent resident status, including the non-citizen spouses and children of lawful U.S. permanent residents or citizens.

The policy is expected to offer protection to about half a million American families, which would include roughly 50,000 under the age of 21 who are married to or children of a U.S. citizen.

The exchange between Jennings and Cardona highlights the ongoing political divisions over illegal immigration and the best approach to address the issue.