Biden's Swift Implementation of New Asylum Restrictions Signals Bold Move

The Biden administration is set to use its authority to block asylum access for migrants who cross the US-Mexico border illegally. This decision is seen as a bold move by President Joe Biden to tackle a key political challenge he faces. Biden will announce this executive action today, aiming to address border issues after a failed bipartisan effort earlier this year. This action is the administration's most significant step on the US southern border as Biden strives to take control of immigration before the upcoming presidential debate, using a similar authority to former President Donald Trump.

The new executive action, set to take effect later on Tuesday, will prevent migrants who cross the border illegally from seeking asylum. This is a change from the usual practice that has been in place for many years. Once a certain number of migrants cross the border in a day, they will not be allowed to apply for asylum. Instead, they will either be sent back to Mexico or returned to their home country, unless they qualify for specific exemptions.

Border authorities came across approximately 3,500 migrants crossing the border illegally on Monday, surpassing the required threshold for the executive action to be implemented.

In recent days, Homeland Security officials have been apprehending nearly 4,000 migrants each day at the US-Mexico border, which is slightly lower than the peak numbers seen late last year. The continuous flow of individuals crossing the US southern border remains a significant issue for the Biden administration as they work to address the high levels of migration across the Western Hemisphere.

The measure can be switched on and off, as mentioned by senior administration officials on Tuesday. It will be removed once the daily average of encounters between ports of entry drops below 1,500.

Certain individuals are exempt from this measure, including unaccompanied children, victims of severe trafficking, those with urgent medical needs, and those facing immediate threats to their life and safety. Migrants can still use the CBP One mobile app to schedule an appointment to seek asylum at a port of entry.

Critics have criticized the move, comparing it to actions taken under Trump. Biden, as a candidate, previously criticized the Trump administration as "inhumane" regarding border policies. During a call with reporters on Tuesday to discuss the new action, an official defended the steps as distinct from Trump's policies, while also acknowledging potential legal challenges from both sides of the political spectrum.

According to one official on Tuesday, "The Trump administration targeted nearly every aspect of the immigration system in a disgraceful and inhumane manner." The new action will not discriminate against people based on their religion, nor will it separate children from their parents. Additionally, there are specific humanitarian exceptions to the restriction on asylum, such as for individuals facing severe medical emergencies or immediate life-threatening situations - exceptions that were not part of the Trump administration's approach.

Senior administration officials have acknowledged that federal resources are stretched thin, which could present a challenge. However, they believe that the measure will assist them in expediting the removal of individuals. Migrants who do not claim a fear may be deported within days or even hours, while those who do make such a claim will undergo screening and, if deemed ineligible, will also be removed.

Homeland Security officials have been getting ready for an expected increase in border crossings, as is typical during the summer months. This preparation includes reallocating resources to handle a potential surge and ensuring that personnel are in place. On Tuesday, senior administration officials highlighted this measure as a tool to help prevent a potential uptick in border crossings.

The official recognized that Tuesday's action alone cannot produce the same outcome as a bipartisan security agreement that was turned down by congressional Republicans.

The official emphasized that the current actions do not offer the necessary additional personnel, funding, or reforms to enhance border security. It is essential for Congress to take further action.

Mexico plays a crucial role in the implementation of the action, as they had previously agreed to accept a certain number of migrants from specific countries each month. This agreement was made to reduce illegal migration in the region, and Mexico has since increased their immigration enforcement efforts.

On Tuesday, officials did not confirm if a new agreement had been reached with Mexico regarding the recent executive action.

Editor's P/S:

The Biden administration's decision to block asylum access for migrants crossing the US-Mexico border illegally has sparked a heated debate. While some believe it is a necessary step to address the surge in border crossings, others condemn it as inhumane and a violation of international law.

The administration argues that the measure is necessary to deter illegal immigration and