President Joe Biden’s recent asylum restrictions have resulted in a significant 40% decrease in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to administration officials. This reduction marks the lowest level of daily crossings since January 17, 2021, right before Biden took office.
Current Border Situation
Daily crossings have fallen below 2,400, a notable decrease. However, the president’s newly implemented restrictions will remain in place until average crossings fall below 1,500 for seven consecutive days. Migrants will continue to be barred from seeking asylum between ports of entry until this target is met.
White House Response and Political Implications
The White House is leveraging these figures to promote the effectiveness of Biden’s new policy and to criticize Republicans, particularly Donald Trump, for impeding legislative efforts to manage the border crisis. The announcement precedes Thursday night’s presidential debate, where immigration is expected to be a key topic.
White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates highlighted the administration’s proactive stance, stating, “President Biden will keep leading, including by taking action to secure our border and by calling on Congressional Republicans to do their jobs and pass the bipartisan border security bill.”
Details of the New Asylum Restrictions
The new rule, introduced in early June by the Homeland Security and Justice departments, partially closes the border to migrants seeking asylum. This policy allows for the expedited removal of some migrants, who then face a five-year ban on reentry and potential criminal prosecution.
Since the policy’s implementation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has conducted over 100 repatriation flights, returning more than 24,000 people to over 20 countries. Additionally, the number of migrants released pending their court date has decreased by 65%.
Legal Challenges and Future Prospects
While the current decrease in crossings is significant, it remains uncertain if this trend will continue. The new measures face legal challenges from various groups, potentially jeopardizing their long-term viability. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the need for comprehensive legislative support, noting that executive actions alone cannot fully resource the DHS.
“It’s a remarkable feat that our personnel have accomplished in just such a short period of time. It’s really important to remember though that the president’s executive action is being challenged in the court. We cannot fully, through executive action, resource the Department of Homeland Security like we need. And the Senate’s bipartisan legislation would have provided a fulsome and enduring relief that executive actions cannot,” Mayorkas stated on MSNBC.
Conclusion
The Biden administration credits the new asylum policy for the reduction in illegal border crossings. However, the future of these measures depends on continued enforcement and overcoming legal hurdles. As the debate on immigration continues, the administration remains focused on securing the border and seeking bipartisan support for comprehensive reform.
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