Texas governor Greg Abbott has been mocked and criticized for suggesting that immigrants have been detained for “crossing our border illegally” from South Africa.
Abbott’s tweet was criticizing President Joe Biden‘s choice to limit vacationers coming into the united statesand seven other countries from southern Africa in an effort to assist stop the unfold of the brand new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, now named Omicron.
In doing so, Abbott appeared to hyperlink the steps to cease the Omicron coronavirus variant spreading internationally to the migrant disaster on the U.S.-Mexico border, which the governor often assaults the president over.
“Biden banned journey from South Africa due to the brand new Covid variant,” Abbott tweeted.
“Immigrants have not too long ago been apprehended crossing our border illegally from South Africa. Biden is doing nothing to stop immigrants from South Africa coming into illegally. Pure politics and hypocrisy.”
It’s unclear if Abbott was complicated the nation of South Africa with the continent of South America, or if he was suggesting migrants have been touring from South Africa in direction of Mexico earlier than illegally attempting to enter the U.S.
Both means, the tweet was condemned by quite a few social media customers.
New York Democratic Senator James Skoufis tweeted: “Greg Abbott can see South Africa from his home! Keep in class, children.”
South African politician Ashor Sarupen stated: “Apparently, as a consequence of continental drift and a few seismic exercise, South Africa now shares a border with the US.
“Both that, or Greg Abbott is simply demonstrating his American stage of geography abilities.”
Grant Stern, creator and the Government Editor of Occupy Democrats, tweeted: “I suggest sending Greg Abbott to the South African border immediately. Elevate your hand in the event you agree with me.”
Majid Padellan, higher often known as the favored left-wing Twitter account Brooklyn Dad, added: “I do not know who wants to listen to this, however South Africa does not share a border with the US.
“Oh, I assume Greg Abbott wants to listen to that.”
Katie S. Phang, lawyer and CNBC host, tweeted in response to Abbott: “If this is not a parody account, that you must resign.”
Apparently, as a consequence of continental drift and a few seismic exercise, South Africa now shares a border with the US.
Both that, or Greg Abbott is simply demonstrating his American stage of geography abilities. https://t.co/xxGaObHJKh
— Ashor Sarupen MP (@AshorSarupen) November 29, 2021
How does one swim from South Africa to your nation via this chilly ass Atlantic ocean ? Aren’t you mistaking us with South America perhaps? Y’all may be absurds at instances, unprovoked. pic.twitter.com/EWtv2IK3If
— ツ Ø ͏ Ʀ ͏ ł ™ ͏ ͏ ❼ (@Ori_Debig_Beats) November 29, 2021
What on earth are you speaking about?
South Africa is 9,000 miles and a complete ocean away.
And in case your geography is unhealthy:
South America’s closest border with the US is greater than 2,000 miles away.
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??
— Susan Is Attempting to Escape Politics, However Failing (@Suavebones) November 29, 2021
The World Well being Group has official listed Omicron as a “variant of concern” as a result of it has a number of mutations which can influence on the way it behaves, such how simply it spreads or the severity of sickness those that are contaminated by it could be inflicted with.
Nonetheless, the WHO stated it’s nonetheless unclear if Omicron is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than different COVID variants, and extra research are wanted.
Abbott has been linked for additional remark.
Brandon Bell/Getty Photos
