Biden Administration Tightens Asylum Ban to Curb Illegal Border Crossings

The Biden administration is extending an asylum ban at the U.S.-Mexico border until the number of illegal crossings decreases. The restrictions will remain in place until the daily average of arrests over 28 days falls below 1,500. The changes aim to ensure sustained reductions in illegal crossings.

The Biden administration is set to extend an asylum ban at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials. The ban will remain effective until the average daily arrests of migrants crossing illegally drops below 1,500 over a 28-day period, a shift from the current seven-day measure.

President Joe Biden's directive, issued in June, aimed to reduce the record numbers of illegal border crossings. With immigration a key issue ahead of the Nov. 5 election, Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have clashed over policy approaches. Harris suggested stricter measures, but these were not adopted by the Biden administration.

DHS officials reported a significant decline in apprehensions, down to 54,000 migrants in September from a peak of 250,000 in December. Additionally, unaccompanied children from all countries will now be included in the count of illegal crossings, ensuring the measures lead to a sustainable decrease.

(With inputs from agencies.)