Article Summary –
President Biden is expected to sign an executive order that would allow a temporary closure of the US-Mexico border when migrant crossings increase, suspending protections for asylum seekers. This move, the most restrictive border policy by any recent Democrat, is likely to face legal challenges, but is seen as a response to growing voter concern over illegal immigration. The order would enable border officials to deny asylum claims and quickly turn away migrants when crossings exceed a certain threshold, although it is expected that the restrictions will not apply to unaccompanied minors.
President Biden to Seal U.S. Border Temporarily in Response to Migrant Surge
President Biden is slated to sign an executive order on Tuesday, enabling temporary closing of the U.S.-Mexico border during migrant influxes. This decision would halt longstanding protective measures for asylum seekers in the United States.
Congress members have been informed by Biden’s senior advisors about the impending action. The president is expected to sign the order alongside South Texas mayors.
“I’m supportive of the prospective executive order,” commented Representative Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat who’s advocated for stronger border enforcement
This order signifies the most restrictive border policy introduced by Biden or any contemporary Democrat, mirroring a 2018 attempt by President Donald Trump to halt migration.
Legal Challenges Expected as Immigration Politics Tilt Right
Despite the likelihood of legal challenges, Biden is compelled to address illegal migration, a key issue for voters in the upcoming presidential election. The shift in immigration politics during Biden’s presidency towards more stringent border measures is evident, with increasing support from his party.
The order would allow border officials to refuse asylum claims and quickly dismiss migrants once border crossings surpass a specified limit. Earlier talks considered allowing Biden to close the border if average weekly border crossings reached 5,000, or 8,500 in a single day.
Record Border Crossings and Potential Exemptions for Minors
Sunday saw over 3,500 unauthorized border crossings, a figure in alignment with recent trends. The proposed restrictions are unlikely to apply to unaccompanied minors, according to an official briefed on the order.
The executive order is likely to resemble measures from a thwarted bipartisan bill that proposed significant border security enhancements and substantial funding for border control.
Administration Exploring Policy Options to Fix Immigration
While Republicans blocked the bill, accusing it of being too lenient, Biden continues to fight for border security. “President Biden will not cease fighting to deliver resources for our border and immigration personnel to secure our border,” stated White House spokesman, Angelo Fernández Hernández.
Officials predict that the executive order will face legal challenges. Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, last month stressed the need for legislation as a more certain delivery of solution.
The shift in political stance on immigration is evident as Biden, who criticized Trump’s policies in 2019, now proposes a similar approach.
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