Biden Tightens Asylum Rules Amid US Election Campaign
With the presidential election approaching, President Joe Biden has introduced stringent measures to curb irregular migration, stirring criticism across the political spectrum. On Tuesday, Biden announced a new order limiting the number of migrants without entry permits who can seek asylum at the southern border. This move comes in response to polls indicating dissatisfaction with his migration policy, leveraging his executive power to bypass congressional approval.
Effective immediately, migrants crossing the southern border illegally will be denied the opportunity to apply for asylum if the daily average of unauthorized border crossers exceeds 2,500 within a seven-day period – a threshold currently surpassed. Exceptions exist for unaccompanied minors and those who have scheduled asylum interviews online using the US border guard's app. The administration still permits approximately 75,000 unauthorized migrants monthly to enter and apply for asylum, with many facing years-long waits before appearing before immigration judges.
Criticism has erupted from both Democrats and Republicans. Progressive Democrats argue the order mirrors former President Donald Trump's controversial policies. MP Pramila Jayapal described it as a 'dangerous step in the wrong direction,' emphasizing the right to seek asylum as enshrined in US law and international treaties. The UN refugee agency UNHCR has also expressed deep concern, urging the US to reconsider the new rules, which they claim undermine fundamental asylum rights.
On the other hand, Republicans view Biden's move as a politically motivated stunt. House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the decree an 'election year political stunt,' accusing Biden of inaction during his presidency. Additionally, the conservative Wall Street Journal criticized the measures as a 'tactical political retreat disguised as a battle cry.' Despite these accusations, Biden insisted he will not resort to mass deportations if re-elected, stressing he will not demonize immigrants.
International reactions include Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on US politics, noting that irrespective of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump wins the upcoming election, it would make little difference to Russia. Putin argued that Trump's legal troubles were part of an 'internal political struggle' in the US and critiqued Biden’s administration for its domestic and international policies, claiming they diminish America's democratic leadership.
- The US migration policy landscape remains a contentious issue as President Biden navigates through an election year. Biden's administration is under pressure from both ends of the political spectrum to address the ongoing border crisis effectively. His recent measures have received mixed reactions domestically and internationally, highlighting the complexity of immigration issues.
- Contestations over the new policy are not limited to US soil. Globally, the asylum policy is being closely watched, with various international bodies and leaders weighing in on the potential ramifications of Biden's executive order. The debate over maintaining humanitarian commitments versus national security continues to be at the forefront of political discourse.
- Putin’s statements add another layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics. His assertion that US internal struggles overshadow its international policies points to a broader narrative of how US political stability is perceived on the world stage. The upcoming election is thus poised to be a crucial determinant of not just domestic but also international relations.
