WASHINGTON – In a move to tighten asylum restrictions at the southern border, the Biden administration is taking a hard stance on border security to address voter concerns over immigration.
The newly announced rules, building upon restrictions introduced in June, aim to prevent migrants from being granted asylum when U.S. officials determine that the southern border is overwhelmed.
Under the previous guidelines, asylum access could be restricted when the number of migrants attempting to enter the country between official border crossings exceeded 2,500 per day. The daily average had to drop below 1,500 per day for a week to lift the restrictions.
The updated rules released on Monday now require the daily numbers to stay below 1,500 for almost a month before the restrictions can be lifted. Additionally, all children are now counted in that number, including migrant children from Mexico, which was not the case previously.
These changes will significantly increase the difficulty of lifting restrictions and allowing individuals entering the country between official border crossings to apply for asylum in the U.S.
While immigration advocates have criticized the restrictions, the administration has highlighted their role in decreasing the number of migrants arriving at the southern border.
The new restrictions will come into effect on Tuesday, signaling a tougher stance on border security and immigration policy from the Biden administration.
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