In a significant policy shift ahead of the November elections, President Joe Biden on Tuesday enacted a broad asylum ban targeting migrants who illegally cross the US-Mexico border.
This measure allows for the rapid deportation or return of migrants to Mexico, with exceptions for unaccompanied children, individuals facing severe medical or safety threats, and victims of trafficking, as stated by the US Department of Homeland Security.
The policy, effective just after midnight, comes as Biden seeks to address the heightened concern over immigration among Americans in the lead-up to the November 5 elections. The issue of border security has become a central topic, with Biden’s Republican opponent, Donald Trump, having made stringent immigration control a key element of his administration and campaign promises.
Upon assuming office in 2021, Biden pledged to reverse many of Trump’s restrictive immigration measures. However, he has faced unprecedented levels of illegal border crossings, putting immense pressure on US border authorities and the cities accommodating new arrivals.
In a White House press conference, Biden emphasized that asylum would still be accessible to migrants who scheduled appointments via the CBP One app or used other legal entry methods. “This action will help us gain control of our border and restore order into the process,” Biden remarked. “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.”
While unveiling these new restrictions, Biden also criticized Trump’s more controversial policies, such as the separation of migrant families at the border and derogatory comments about immigrants. “I will never demonize immigrants,” Biden asserted.
Despite these efforts, Biden’s immigration policies continue to face scrutiny. A mid-May Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that registered voters favor Trump’s approach to immigration over Biden’s by a 17 percentage point margin.
