The Biden administration has doubled down on stricter asylum rules at the U.S.-Mexico border. President Biden signed an executive order Monday, Oct. 1, expanding asylum restrictions for migrants looking to cross the southern border.
Under another order released in June, the asylum ban lifts only if daily illegal crossings drop below 1,500 for a week, which has not yet happened. Biden’s new action extends this to 28 consecutive days.
All migrant children, regardless of origin, now count toward the daily threshold, expanding the scope of the restrictions.
September’s total apprehensions dropped to an estimated 54,000, down from December’s peak of 250,000, highlighting the impact of recent policy changes. The Department of Homeland Security reports a significant reduction in daily Border Patrol encounters, with figures dropping by over 50% since June when these restrictions were implemented.
Human rights organizations argue that the new policies endanger asylum-seekers and contradict America’s humanitarian principles.
Immigration has emerged as a critical battleground issue in the upcoming presidential election.
Former President Donald Trump continues to criticize the current administration’s border management, promising more stringent measures if reelected.
Vice President Kamala Harris outlined plans for stricter border control during her recent border visit to Arizona, signaling a tougher stance on immigration and asylum policies.
