Tougher Asylum Restrictions at Southern Border

The Biden administration announced on Monday that it is making asylum restrictions at the southern border even tougher. The new rules bar migrants from being granted asylum when U.S. officials deem that the southern border is overwhelmed. This move is part of the administration’s efforts to convey a strong stance on border security to address concerns from voters regarding immigration.

Under the previous rules, asylum access could be restricted when the number of migrants attempting to enter the country at official border crossings exceeded 2,500 per day, with the daily average needing to drop below 1,500 per day for a week to lift the restrictions. The updated version states that the daily numbers must remain under 1,500 for almost a month before the restrictions can be lifted. Additionally, all children will now be counted towards that number, compared to only migrant children from Mexico being counted previously.

These stricter regulations, effective from Tuesday, will make it significantly harder to lift the restrictions and allow those entering the country between official border crossings to apply for asylum in the U.S. Despite the restrictions implemented in June never being lifted due to sustained high border encounters, the new rules make the process even more challenging.

Immigration advocates have criticized the administration’s actions, stating that the tougher rules put people at risk and fail to fulfill humanitarian obligations to asylum seekers. The American Immigration Lawyers Association described the new rule as effectively an asylum ban, projecting that the restrictions will persist due to current border crossing rates.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas defended the updated rules, emphasizing that exceptions are available for eligible individuals, such as victims of human trafficking. He clarified that the asylum system has not been completely shut off and highlighted alternative avenues for seeking asylum, like the CBP One appointment system.

While the administration has seen a significant decrease in daily border encounters since June, it underscored the need for Congressional action to address wider immigration issues. Border security and immigration remain critical issues for the Biden administration, with continuing pressure from opposing parties to secure the border and manage migration effectively.

Vice President Kamala Harris recently visited a border region in Arizona, advocating for tighter asylum rules and a methodical approach to immigration that is both secure and humane. She emphasized the importance of maintaining border security while creating pathways for legal immigration.

As the asylum restrictions evolve, the Biden administration faces ongoing challenges to strike a balance between border control and compassionate treatment of asylum seekers.