The White House has launched a crackdown on illegal border crossings as President Biden issues a sweeping executive order aimed at preventing a surge of asylum seekers from entering the country via Mexico.
The President declared measures to prevent individuals who illegally enter the country via the southern border from being granted refugee status.
“Migrants will be restricted from receiving asylum at our southern border unless they seek it after entering through an established lawful process,’’ Biden said in Washington.
Despite the crackdown, the President reassured that the United States will continue to welcome and protect those who seek asylum through official channels.
“But if an individual chooses not to use our legal pathways, if they choose to come without permission and against the law, they’ll be restricted from receiving asylum and staying in the U.S
“This ban will remain in place until the number of people trying to enter illegally is reduced to a level that our system can effectively manage,’’ Biden continued.
Earlier today, the administration unveiled a controversial policy directive that grants authorities the power to reject asylum claims in specific situations.
Criticism poured in from all corners, as human rights groups and Republican leaders alike condemned the move as a dangerous erosion of fundamental rights.
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Those affected by the decree were to be deported at short notice if they do not explicitly request asylum.
Those who did so would be subjected to stricter checks by border official
Previously, most asylum seekers were generally allowed to stay in the country until their court date which is often years in the future due to overburdened authorities
In a nod to humanitarian concerns, the White House has carved out exceptions for select groups, including unaccompanied children, those battling life-threatening illnesses, and victims of modern-day slavery.
The revamped policy is poised to take effect once the weekly average of unlawful border crossings surpasses a daily threshold of 2,500, a move aimed at addressing surging migration rates.
The rules will be rolled back once the daily average of illegal border crossings decreases to fewer than 1,500, paving the way for a return to normalcy.
With the current daily influx exceeding the newly established benchmark, the measures are poised to take effect on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the government’s response.
As a key thoroughfare for refugees, Mexico bears witness to the exodus of Latin Americans fleeing the triple threats of violence, poverty, and political turmoil, driven by the hope of finding safety in the U.S.