The Biden administration is reportedly finalizing plans with Mexico to tighten asylum rules amid allowing hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to remain in the country, sparking debates and criticisms. President Biden's forthcoming executive action is said to include shutting down the border when illegal crossings exceed a certain daily threshold, with conflicting reports on the exact number. This move is expected to face opposition from asylum advocates and has been labeled by critics as a political maneuver.
The plan to shut down the border aligns with a bipartisan agreement that failed in the Senate earlier this year and resembles a ban attempted by former President Trump, which was overturned by the courts. The administration has not officially released the details of this plan, leading to questions about the timing and effectiveness of such measures.
Additionally, reports indicate that the administration allowed around 350,000 migrants with pending asylum claims to stay in the U.S. without a decision on their cases' merits. This decision, reportedly based on ICE lawyers' guidance to dismiss cases for non-threatening individuals with no criminal record, has raised concerns about creating a population without legal status or clear direction.
Critics argue that these actions may not improve the president's polling on immigration issues, especially considering historical data showing low success rates for asylum claims at the border. The situation is further complicated by ongoing political dynamics, including fundraising boosts for former President Trump following a guilty verdict and calls for Biden to emphasize his stance against a convicted felon.
Amid these developments, President Biden has been in touch with the new Mexican president-elect and is expected to take border-related actions soon. There are also discussions about a proposed permanent ceasefire agreement in Israel, with potential implications for U.S. involvement and diplomatic relations.
As the political landscape evolves, uncertainties remain about key events such as Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to Congress and President Biden's attendance at the G7 summit in Italy. Conflicting schedules and international commitments may impact these plans, highlighting the complex nature of global diplomacy and domestic priorities.
