Democratic President Joe Biden assured on Tuesday that the possibility of seeking asylum "will still be available" for those who wish to emigrate legally to the United States and manage an appointment through the CBP One app for an interview at a port of entry. "Migrants will not be able to receive asylum at our southern border unless they apply after entering (the country) through an established legal process." However, "with an appointment, asylum is still available," Biden stated from the White House, in a speech where he was flanked by a bipartisan group of mayors from border cities.
The announcement is part of a series of measures revealed on Tuesday that will allow the president to deny asylum requests to those who cross irregularly into the U.S. It will also facilitate closing the border with Mexico when the volume of arrivals exceeds the processing capacity at the entry points. However, those who arrive legally with an appointment obtained through the CBP One app will be able to request this benefit, he clarified. "This ban will remain in effect until the number of people trying to enter illegally is reduced to a level that our system can effectively manage," he emphasized.
The measures will make it easier for immigration officers to expel those migrants who have no legal basis to stay in the United States. Another goal is to reduce the burden on Border Patrol agents, he noted.
The Democratic president harshly criticized the Republican caucus in Congress, which has rejected a bipartisan immigration reform proposal. "I am moving past Republican obstruction and using executive authority (...) to do what I can on my own to address border management," the president said. He also hit out at his probable opponent in the presidential race, Donald Trump, and his Republican allies in Congress, considering that they "do not want to fix" the immigration issue and want to use it to attack him.
"We continue to work closely with our Mexican neighbors, rather than attack them. And it has worked. We built a strong partnership of trust between Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and I will do the same with the president-elect of Mexico, whom I spoke with yesterday," he explained.
He assured that he will not demonize migrants and asked Americans for patience and trust in his handling of the immigration issue. "I will not separate children from their families," Biden promised.
Understanding Biden's New Asylum Policies
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent changes announced by President Biden on asylum policies at the U.S. border.
How can migrants apply for asylum under the new policy?
Migrants must schedule an appointment through the CBP One app for an interview at a port of entry to apply for asylum legally.
Will migrants who cross the border irregularly be able to seek asylum?
No, under the new measures, migrants who cross irregularly into the U.S. will be denied asylum unless they follow the established legal process.
What is the purpose of these new asylum measures?
The new measures aim to reduce illegal border crossings, ease the burden on Border Patrol agents, and ensure the asylum system can manage the number of applicants effectively.