Washington, May 2 -- President Joe Biden has termed two of the US' Quad partners - India and Japan - as "xenophobic" and said that is one of the major reasons why their economies are "stalling".

Addressing a Campaign Reception in Washington, Biden said that the US elections is "about freedom, America, and democracy. That's why I badly need you."

Touching on the hot topic of immigration, with his administration being accused by the opposition of being soft on the thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into America from across the border, Biden said:

"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...