Biden's Bold Asylum Policy Implementation to Address Key Political Challenge

The Biden administration is taking quick action to block asylum for migrants who enter the US illegally through the US-Mexico border. This is a significant step by President Joe Biden to tackle one of his biggest challenges.

Biden announced this extensive executive action at the White House on Tuesday afternoon. This move comes after a bipartisan effort failed earlier this year. It is the administration's most impactful decision regarding the US southern border as Biden aims to take control of immigration, especially with the upcoming presidential debate. Biden is using a similar authority that former President Donald Trump also attempted to use during his time in office.

The action announced by the White House will begin at midnight. During a speech at the White House, Biden explained that he had to resort to executive action because Republicans in Congress had prevented a bipartisan border deal from moving forward.

Biden stated that he is moving forward despite Republican opposition and utilizing his presidential powers to tackle the border situation. The new executive action will prevent migrants who enter the country illegally from applying for asylum once a specific number is reached each day. Unless they qualify for certain exceptions, these migrants will either be sent back to Mexico or to their home country.

Border officials came across about 3,500 migrants crossing the border illegally on Monday, surpassing the required number for the executive action to be implemented.

Members of the Texas National Guard stand guard near a razor wire fence to inhibit the crossing of migrants into the United States, seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on June 4.

Members of the Texas National Guard are stationed near a razor wire fence to prevent migrants from crossing into the United States. The scene is observed from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on June 4.

Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

Homeland Security officials are currently detaining nearly 4,000 migrants each day at the US-Mexico border, which is a slight decrease from the high numbers seen at the end of last year. The continuous flow of people crossing the southern border has posed a consistent challenge for the Biden administration as they try to handle the significant migration happening across the Western Hemisphere.

Senior administration officials mentioned on Tuesday that this measure can be adjusted as needed. They explained that the restrictions will be lifted once the daily average encounters drop below 1,500 between the ports of entry.

Certain groups of migrants, such as unaccompanied children and victims of severe trafficking, are exempt from certain restrictions. They can still request an appointment through the CBP One mobile app to seek asylum at a port of entry.

Biden and his administration expressed a preference for bipartisan legislation to address the border crisis.

Biden expressed his preference for addressing the issue through bipartisan legislation to fix the broken system by hiring more Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, and judges. However, due to the lack of cooperation from Republicans, he felt compelled to take action from the East Room of the White House.

Critics have compared Biden's actions to those taken under Trump's administration. Despite previously criticizing Trump's border policies as "inhumane," Biden's officials defended the new steps as separate from his predecessor's. They are aware of potential legal challenges from both sides of the political spectrum.

A migrant seeking asylum carries a backpack with a tag as he looks for transportation options after being processed and released, Tuesday, June 4, in San Diego.

A migrant seeking asylum carries a backpack with a tag as he looks for transportation options after being processed and released, Tuesday, June 4, in San Diego.

"The Trump administration made significant changes to the immigration system, but many believe it was done in a harsh and cruel manner," one official said during a statement on Tuesday. "This new policy will not discriminate against people based on their religion, nor will it result in the separation of children from their mothers. Additionally, there are specific humanitarian circumstances where individuals may still be eligible for asylum, such as in cases of severe medical emergencies or immediate threats to life or safety – exceptions that were not included in the actions taken by the Trump administration."

The president addressed criticism from progressives and others who have compared the actions to those taken during the Trump administration.

"I understand some may think the measures I've implemented are too strict, but I urge you to have patience. The patience of the American people is running thin. We cannot afford to do nothing. We have a responsibility to take action in line with our laws and our values, the values that define us as Americans. I am taking these steps today not to abandon our American identity, but to ensure it is preserved for future generations," he stated.

Biden also directly rejected the former president's actions.

"I will never demonize immigrants or refer to them as a threat to a country. I will not separate children from their families at the border. I will not impose bans on people based on their religious beliefs. I will not use the military to round up millions of people from their homes and detain them while awaiting deportation, as my predecessor has threatened to do if he is in office again," Biden stated.

Senior administration officials recognize that federal resources are under strain, which may present a challenge. However, they believe that the measure will assist them in expediting the process of removing individuals. Migrants who do not claim fear may face removal within days or even hours, while those who do claim fear will undergo screening and, if deemed ineligible, will also be removed.

In preparation for an expected increase in border crossings, Homeland Security officials have been taking steps to address the situation. This is in line with previous years where numbers tend to rise during the summer months. Resources are being shifted to cope with a potential surge, and personnel are being deployed strategically. The measure is being highlighted by senior administration officials as a proactive tool to help prevent a possible uptick in border crossings.

Mexico plays a crucial role in the implementation of the action. They had previously agreed to accept up to 30,000 migrants monthly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to reduce illegal migration in the region. Mexico has also increased immigration enforcement as part of continuous efforts.

On Tuesday, officials did not disclose whether a new agreement had been made with Mexico regarding the recent executive action.

This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.

Editor's P/S:

The Biden administration's decision to block asylum for migrants entering the US illegally has sparked mixed reactions. Some praise the move as a necessary step to curb illegal immigration, while others condemn it as inhumane and a violation of human rights. The administration argues that the action is necessary to deter further illegal crossings and address the ongoing crisis at the southern border. However, critics point to the potential humanitarian implications and the lack of a comprehensive solution to the root causes of migration.

The executive action has also drawn comparisons to the policies implemented by the Trump administration, which were widely criticized for their harsh treatment of immigrants. The Biden administration has emphasized that its approach is more humane and focused on addressing the underlying issues of poverty and violence that drive migration. However, concerns remain about the potential for discrimination and abuse within the new system. Ultimately, the effectiveness and long-term consequences of the administration's actions remain to be seen.