Biden Administration Implements Tougher Asylum Restrictions at Southern Border

The Biden administration announced stricter asylum restrictions at the southern border to strengthen border security. The new rules require a month-long drop in daily migrant numbers below 1,500 before lifting restrictions. Immigration advocates criticize the move as harmful to those fleeing persecution. The changes take effect Tuesday.

The Biden administration on Monday unveiled more stringent asylum restrictions at the southern border, aiming to address voter concerns over immigration by taking a firmer stance on border security.

These updated regulations, which intensify measures announced in June, prohibit the granting of asylum when the southern border is deemed overwhelmed by US officials.

Previously, asylum access could be restricted when daily migrant numbers hit 2,500. Now, the threshold requires nearly a month of daily numbers below 1,500 to lift restrictions. Furthermore, the count now includes all children, not just those from Mexico.

These adjustments will complicate efforts to lift the restrictions, limiting opportunities for individuals entering between official crossings to apply for asylum.

Immigration advocates have sharply criticized these measures, arguing they undermine essential protections for those fleeing persecution. However, the administration has highlighted the effectiveness of these restrictions in reducing migrant influx at the border. The new rules take effect Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)