In a recent speech, President Joe Biden stirred controversy by referring to key ally Japan and several other nations as "xenophobic" due to their alleged lack of immigration. The remarks were made during a fundraising event held in Washington, D.C., where the president emphasized the positive impact of immigration on the American economy.

Biden asserted that the reason behind the economic struggles faced by countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India lies in their hesitance to welcome immigrants. He argued that the influx of workers seeking to contribute to the United States is a significant factor in its growth.

However, Biden's comments received mixed reactions, particularly from Japanese lawmakers who took to social media to express confusion and skepticism concerning the president's stance. Mizuho Umemura, a member of the conservative Nippon Ishin no Kai Party, pointed out that migration is a complex issue that many European leaders also grapple with, and no country has truly solved it to date.

Another lawmaker, Sohei Kamiya of the right-wing populist Sansei Party, directly blamed U.S. "failures" in handling immigration as the reason behind Japan's cautious approach. Kamiya emphasized that their caution is not rooted in xenophobia but a desire to avoid similar pitfalls.

The Embassy of Japan was approached for comment by Fox News Digital but did not respond. It is clear that Biden's remarks have raised concerns among Japanese officials, who fear potential policy changes depending on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

John Kirby, the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communication, defended Biden's speech, stating that the broader point the president was making is that the United States is a nation of immigrants, and this diversity is embedded in its DNA. Kirby emphasized the respect and value Biden holds for U.S. allies such as Japan and India, highlighting the existing collaborations in the Indo-Pacific region.

While the president's intention was reportedly to extol the virtues of immigration in the United States, his choice of labeling Japan and other nations as "xenophobic" has drawn criticism. The situation highlights the delicate balance between promoting the benefits of immigration and maintaining strong relationships with key allies.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how these comments will impact diplomatic relations between the United States, Japan, and other nations cited by President Biden.