TL/DR –
President Biden issued an executive order to prevent migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border when crossings surge, in an effort to alleviate strain on the immigration system. The restrictions, the most severe border policy instituted by any modern Democrat, will be in effect when the seven-day average for illegal crossings hits 2,500 per day and would only be lifted if the numbers fall below a daily average of 1,500 for seven consecutive days. The move has sparked controversy, with critics including the American Civil Liberties Union, who plan to challenge the order in court, and immigration advocates who argue that it abandons the promise to rebuild the asylum system.
President Biden’s New US-Mexico Border Policy: Asylum Seekers Impacted Amidst Surging Crossings
President Biden announced a sweeping executive order on Tuesday, implementing restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border when crossings surge. This strategy aims to mitigate strain on the immigration system and address voter concerns.
This measure marks Biden’s most strict border policy to date, reminiscent of an attempt by President Donald J. Trump in 2018 to throttle migration, subsequently halted in federal court.
Speaking at the White House, backed by lawmakers and border community mayors, Mr. Biden cited partisan roadblocks to bipartisan legislation imposing major border security restrictions as the trigger for his executive action. In a bid to differentiate his approach, Mr. Biden highlighted ongoing cooperation with Mexico, contrasting with Trump’s confrontational stance.
Implication of the Restrictions and Reactions
Given current soaring daily illegal crossings, Biden’s executive order could be promptly triggered, empowering border officers to return migrants into Mexico or their home countries within hours or days.
This policy shift coincides with unprecedented levels of people entering the country in recent years, prompting bipartisan support for tighter border measures previously rejected by Democrats and advocated by Mr. Trump.
The American Civil Liberties Union (A.C.L.U) has signaled intent to contest the executive action in court, echoing its successful 2018 litigation against the Trump administration’s asylum-blocking attempt. Limited exceptions will be made for unaccompanied minors, victims of human trafficking, and those using the Customs and Border Protection app to secure asylum-request appointments.
Political Repercussions and Future Possibilities
The executive order resonates with blocked Republican legislation proposed in February, critiqued as inadequately robust. Mr. Biden’s order has revived concerns among immigration advocates and certain progressive Democrats, who perceive an abandonment of his pledge to rejuvenate the asylum system.
Biden administration officials have defended the order, underscoring its applicability only during peak crossing periods. Despite still being high, a noticeable drop in illegal crossings has been noted since Mexico has ramped up efforts to curtail migration.
Navigating Legal Challenges and Public Perception
Migrants not qualifying for protections but crossing illegally will face a five-year prohibition on U.S. entry. White House officials anticipate this order will spur Republican criticism against the bipartisan bill’s failure, while highlighting the executive action’s inability to augment Homeland Security resources through substantial funding for additional border officers and immigration judges.
The policy’s implementation carries political risks, including critiques from Republicans questioning why Biden didn’t implement unilateral border action sooner. The executive order’s timing and efficacy have also been questioned, prompting claims of ‘window dressing’ and tardy concern from some Republican quarters.
—
Read More US Political News