AGS NEWS – The Biden administration is quickly implementing a policy to block access to asylum for migrants who illegally cross the US-Mexico border.

President Joe Biden announced the executive action on June 4 at the White House, following the failure of a bipartisan border deal earlier this year.

Biden stated that congressional Republicans’ obstruction left him no choice but to take executive action.

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The new policy prevents migrants who cross the border illegally from seeking asylum, unless they meet specific exemptions, such as unaccompanied children or victims of severe trafficking.

Migrants will be turned back to Mexico or their country of origin if they do not qualify.

The number of illegal border crossings has been a persistent issue for the Biden administration, with recent arrests nearing 4,000 migrants daily.

On Monday, border authorities encountered around 3,500 unlawful crossings, triggering the new executive action.

Biden expressed his preference for addressing the issue through bipartisan legislation to improve the system, including hiring more Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, and judges.

However, he emphasized the need to act in the absence of legislative progress.

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Responding to critics comparing his policy to those of former President Donald Trump, Biden stressed that his actions are consistent with American values and law.

He vowed not to demonize immigrants, separate families, or ban people based on their religion.

Biden also criticized Trump’s immigration policies, affirming his commitment to preserving American values for future generations.