President Biden Announces New Asylum Restrictions
President Joe Biden has revealed plans to implement immediate and significant restrictions on asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. This move comes as the White House aims to address immigration concerns ahead of the upcoming November elections.
Immediate Action to Control Border Encounters
The presidential proclamation will prevent migrants from receiving asylum if U.S. officials determine that the southern border is overwhelmed. This decision follows the breakdown of a bipartisan border security deal in Congress, largely rejected by Republican lawmakers influenced by former President Donald Trump.
Executive Action Due to Lack of Legislation
President Biden expressed a preference for lasting solutions through legislation, but due to opposition from Republicans, he has taken unilateral action. This decision aims to gain control of the border, while emphasizing the importance of immigration in America.
Impact on Border Encounters
The new restrictions will go into effect when border encounters between ports of entry reach 2,500 per day. This threshold has already been met, with daily averages consistently exceeding this number.
Challenges and Complications
Despite the decline in border encounters since December, the Biden administration recognizes the need for further action to prevent a potential increase in migrant numbers. Questions remain about the implementation of the directive, including funding constraints and legal obligations.
Exemptions and Humanitarian Considerations
Biden’s order outlines exemptions for certain groups of migrants, including victims of human trafficking, unaccompanied minors, and those with severe medical emergencies. Migrants making appointments at ports of entry using the CBP One app are also exempted.
Legal Authority and Opposition
President Biden is invoking Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to justify the new restrictions. Despite threats of legal challenges, senior officials are confident in the legality of the order. However, legal groups may still pursue legal action against the directive.
Implementation Concerns and Backlog
There are concerns about the potential impact of the directive on the existing backlog of migrants awaiting appointments through the CBP One app. Border officials may face challenges in swiftly removing migrants due to staffing limitations and ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Read More of this Story at apnews.com – 2024-06-05 00:49:00
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