President Joe Biden’s recent executive order to bar illegal immigrants from obtaining asylum has sparked backlash from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU criticized the administration’s action in a statement on X, arguing that it “will severely restrict” migrants’ “legal right to seek asylum.”
The ACLU accused the Biden administration of endangering lives and implementing a policy similar to those of the Trump administration. The organization has pledged to challenge the executive order in court.
Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC host, also condemned Biden’s actions, accusing the president of betraying asylum-seekers. Hasan warned that the executive order sets a dangerous precedent, potentially enabling future administrations to enforce stricter immigration policies.
Democratic House Rep. Nydia Velazquez of New York voiced her disapproval, calling for “comprehensive immigration reform” instead of a return to Trump-era policies. “The right to seek asylum is fundamental in the United States, and we must never abandon that idea,” Velazquez emphasized.
The executive order temporarily halts the processing of asylum applications for those who cross the border illegally. A White House news release stated that the goal is to “make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.” The administration noted that this measure is temporary and will end once migrant crossings are reduced to manageable levels.
The executive action includes exceptions for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking, mirroring provisions in a recent bipartisan Senate border agreement. Congress was briefed on the executive order prior to its announcement.
The border closures will be activated if the daily average of migrant encounters by border patrol officers reaches 2,500 for seven consecutive days. The order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday and can be lifted once encounters fall below 1,500 for seven consecutive days.
During border closures, officers are authorized to quickly deport illegal immigrants to Mexico or their home countries. The New York Times noted that Biden’s executive order resembles previous legislation rejected by Republicans in February due to concerns over its effectiveness.
Former President Donald Trump, who had attempted similar measures during his tenure, criticized Biden’s actions in a Truth Social video. “After nearly four years of his failed, weak leadership — pathetic leadership — Crooked Joe Biden is pretending to finally do something about the border,” Trump said, suggesting the move was a pretense for an upcoming debate.
The ongoing debate over Biden’s executive order highlights the complexities and contentious nature of immigration policy in the United States.
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