Biden Tightens Asylum Rules at US-Mexico Border Amid Election Tensions
In a significant move before the upcoming US presidential elections, the Biden administration has tightened asylum restrictions at the US-Mexico border. The new rules reduce the number of asylum seekers allowed daily from 2,500 to 1,500 and include all children in the count.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that the action aims to increase enforcement while providing safe and lawful pathways for asylum seekers. The previous rules allowed restrictions when the number of migrants reached 2,500 per day, but the new regulations require the daily numbers to be below 1,500 for nearly a month before lifting the restrictions.
Donald Trump, challenging Vice President Kamala Harris in the November elections, has criticized the Democrats for being too lenient on immigration. Trump and his running mate JD Vance have promised the largest deportation campaign in US history if elected.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International USA and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have condemned the new rules as cruel and illegal. Amy Fischer from Amnesty International USA called for investment in a coordinated welcome system for asylum seekers, while Elizabeth Tan from the UNHCR highlighted that penalizing asylum seekers for irregular entry violates the UN Refugee Convention.
Despite the criticism, the Biden administration defends its policies as necessary to manage border crossings. US border authorities have apprehended approximately 54,000 migrants and asylum seekers in September, a significant decrease from the peak of 250,000 in December.
Doubts Revealed
Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions.
Asylum -: Asylum is protection given by a country to someone who has left their own country because they were in danger or treated badly.
US-Mexico Border -: The US-Mexico border is the line that separates the United States and Mexico. People sometimes try to cross it to live in the US.
Election Tensions -: Election tensions mean that people are feeling worried or excited about the upcoming elections, where they will choose new leaders.
Asylum Seekers -: Asylum seekers are people who are asking for protection in another country because they are not safe in their own country.
Donald Trump -: Donald Trump is a former President of the United States. He often shares his opinions on current events and policies.
Human Rights Organizations -: Human rights organizations are groups that work to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has their basic rights protected.
Border Crossings -: Border crossings are when people move from one country to another, often by crossing a border like the one between the US and Mexico.
Lawful Pathways -: Lawful pathways are legal ways for people to enter a country, following the rules and laws.
