White House Considering Tougher Asylum Measures At US-Mexico Border

The U.S.-Mexico border is seen near Sasabe

An executive action is under consideration to target asylum for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically focusing on those crossing unlawfully. The aim is to restrict asylum eligibility for individuals who do not use legal ports of entry. This proposed measure invokes existing immigration law to achieve this goal, reflecting a shift towards tougher border policies.

This move aligns with a broader trend of embracing stricter border controls, as seen in previous legislative proposals granting extraordinary powers to the homeland security secretary to potentially shut down the border under certain conditions. While the specifics of the executive action remain uncertain, it signals a more restrictive approach towards asylum seekers at the border.

The White House emphasized that executive actions, while potentially aggressive, cannot replace comprehensive policy reforms and additional resources that Congress could provide. Calls were made for bipartisan cooperation to address border security concerns effectively.

Focus is on restricting asylum for those crossing unlawfully.

Executive action targets asylum for migrants at U.S.-Mexico border.

Proposed measure aims to limit eligibility for non-legal port entry.

Notably, the authority being considered for this executive action was previously utilized by former President Donald Trump in a 2018 proclamation that sought to halt asylum at the border entirely. While potential exceptions may exist in the current proposal, the overall intent appears to be significantly tightening asylum provisions.

Regarding the current situation at the southern border, there has been a decrease in the number of daily border crossings. Homeland Security officials reported a drop from 11,000 daily crossings in December to around 4,000 presently. This decline is attributed to ongoing discussions and increased enforcement efforts between the U.S. and Mexico.

Despite the recent decrease, officials remain cautious about future trends, noting that border crossings typically rise in the spring following a January lull. While the White House is encouraged by the current numbers, there is a recognition that sustained efforts will be necessary to address potential increases in migrant flows in the coming months.