'They Don't Want Immigrants': Joe Biden Says 'Xenophobia' Stalling Economic Growth In India, Russia & Japan

Joe Biden said that immigration makes the US strong, while India, China and Japan don't want immigrants. 

File photo of US President Joe Biden. ( Image Source :X/Joe Biden )

US President Joe Biden Wednesday said that "Xenophobia" from Russia to Japan and India is affecting their economic growth. Biden also said that immigration is what makes the US strong, while the three countries don't want immigrants. 

"You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants.  We look to — the reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants," Biden said. 

The US President made the remark during a fundraising event for his Presidential re-election campaign in Washington.

"Immigrants is what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute," he added. 

Not Many In US Approve Of Biden Admin's Handling Of Immigration

The statement comes even as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected India to become fourth largest economy in 2025. IMF said that India's nominal gross domestic product will surpass Japan's next year. 

India's GDP is expected to reach $4.34 trillion, surpassing Japan's $4.31 trillion as per the IMF forecast. 

Biden, who is seeking his second term in office, has often criticised his opponent former President Donald Trump over his "anti-immigrant" rhetoric.

Trump has promised to curb illegal immigration and restrict legal migration if elected to office. Biden, on the other hand, has took a more humane-stance on the issue of migrants. 

However, poll shows that a significant majority of Americans object to President Joe Biden's handling of immigration.

The Associated Press/NORC survey found that 68 percent of adults aged 18 and over across the United States disapprove of Biden's immigration policy, versus just 31 percent who approve. Even among Democratic voters only 56 percent believe the president has handled the issue well. 

Illegal migration is likely to be a major issue in this presidential election scheduled this year with Donald Trump making it a key focus of his bid for a second term in the White House.