Joe Biden’s administration wants new restrictions so as not to allow “chaos” and “massive disorder at the border because of the failure of Congress to act.”
The Biden administration proposed on Tuesday that new restrictions be applied to asylum seekers, saying it wants to prevent an influx of migrants at its southern border once measures linked to the Covid pandemic are lifted.
The new rules wanted by the government would require asylum seekers to apply in advance and not after arriving in the United States, otherwise they would be considered ineligible for asylum.
These rules, posted on the Federal Register for comment for 30 days before being applied, appear to revert in part to the harsh regime introduced by Joe Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, which was ultimately overturned by courts.
200,000 people per month
But the Biden administration argues that in the absence of action from Congress, it’s the only way to manage the border, which up to 200,000 people try to cross each month, most seeking asylum. .
The rules would require migrants who want to come to the United States to apply for asylum online, through the official CBP One app, and request an appointment to see US officials, or apply for asylum first in a country they cross to arrive at the American border.
They would apply a system already in place for migrants from Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti.
“An immoral policy”
They are to be put in place once a pandemic-related measure (dubbed “Title 42” and allowing the immediate deportation of migrants without visas, even potential asylum seekers) is lifted. This is scheduled for May 11.
According to officials, the new rules will be temporary and will expire after 24 months. But they did not say what they would be replaced by.
The proposed measures have been strongly criticized by migrant rights advocates. They will “close the door to countless refugees seeking safety and protection in the United States,” said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America.
“This policy is illegal, immoral and will have a terrifying impact on children, women and men seeking safety,” she added.
