Almost two weeks have passed since President Biden signed an Executive Order “suspending entry” of non-citizens crossing the border illegally and barring them from claiming asylum. These protocols are to be activated whenever migrant crossings exceed 2,500 per day, and will be relaxed when crossings drop to an average below 1,500 per day. Within the first week, illegal crossings dropped from around 4,000 per day to 3,000 per day, a 25% drop, indicative of the measure’s effectiveness. But some claim the new policies violate international protections for asylum-seekers and other refugees.
Border Closure by Executive Order
The new executive action comes as part of the administration’s efforts to tighten border security, alongside efforts to curb Fentanyl and other drug trafficking, and human trafficking. The order in question renders people who are illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border ineligible for asylum in the United States, which may be considered a violation of laws protecting refugees and asylum-seekers who often are desperate and in dire circumstances.
U.S. Immigration Law Violations
The head of the United Nations Refugee Agency, Filippo Grandi, recently spoke on President Joe Biden’s new executive order. Grandi criticized Biden’s immigration policy as a political move for the November elections. He also noted that this policy could violate the right of refugees to seek asylum.
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, immigration advocacy groups sued the Biden Administration for the asylum claims on the border. While this policy differs slightly from Trump’s border policy which was blocked by courts, groups like ACLU assert that the Biden Administration has no legal right to override Congress and bar people from coming into the country to seek asylum.
Contact an Experienced Asylum Immigration Attorney
Immigrants should stay informed about the changes in asylum proceedings in the U.S.
Reeves Immigration Law Group has decades of experience advising on immigration matters, from visa applications to deportation defense, Reeves Immigration Law Group is prepared to assist you.
Our team of California immigration attorneys will work relentlessly to navigate the shifting legal terrain and help secure your safety in the U.S. Fill out our contact form today to speak with a California immigration attorney.
