Biden Administration Enforces Stricter Asylum Rules at Southern Border

The Biden administration has announced stricter asylum rules at the southern border, which will make it harder for migrants to gain asylum. The new rules require lower migrant numbers for longer periods before lifting restrictions. Critics argue that these changes threaten asylum seekers' safety and violate international principles.

The Biden administration said on Monday it is making asylum restrictions at the southern border even tougher, as it's increasingly eager to show voters uneasy over immigration that it is taking a hard stance on border security.

The new rules, which toughen restrictions announced in June, bar migrants from being granted asylum when US officials deem that the southern border is overwhelmed.

Under the previous rules, the US could restrict asylum access when the number of migrants trying to enter the country between the official border crossings hit 2,500 per day. The daily numbers had to average below 1,500 per day for a week in order for the restrictions to be lifted.

The version rolled out on Monday says the daily numbers will have to be below 1,500 for nearly a month before the restrictions can be lifted. And the administration is now counting all children toward that number, whereas previously only migrant children from Mexico were counted.

These changes, which go into effect on Tuesday, will make it much more difficult to lift the restrictions and allow people entering the country between the official border crossings eventually to apply for asylum in the US.

(With inputs from agencies.)