President Biden is preparing an executive order to close the US-Mexico border if migrant crossings reach 4,000 per day. This decisive action comes as illegal immigration remains a top voter concern. The move highlights a significant shift in the administration’s approach to border enforcement.
Biden’s Executive Action on Border Control
President Biden plans to use executive power to close the US-Mexico border if daily migrant crossings hit 4,000. This move mirrors a provision in a recent bipartisan bill that did not pass in the Senate.
Expulsion Authority in Legislative Proposal
The failed bill proposed giving the homeland security secretary authority to deport migrants when illegal crossings surpassed 5,000 per day over a week. Deportations would have been mandatory under this condition.
Suspension of Deportation Authority
The bill also allowed for the suspension of this authority once the seven-day average dropped to 75% of the critical level. This measure aimed to balance border control with humanitarian considerations.
Upcoming Executive Order
A source confirmed that President Biden’s executive order to limit border entries is imminent. The exact timing of the announcement remains unclear.
April’s Migrant Crossing Data
In April, border authorities recorded an average of 5,990 migrant crossings per day, according to CBP. This figure excludes those who evaded detection and arrest.
Seasonal Trends in Border Crossings
Border crossings typically decline during the summer due to intense heat. However, last year saw a significant increase, with daily averages rising from 4,819 in June to 8,991 in September.
Current Migrant Detention Numbers
The US Border Patrol has over 10,000 migrants in custody across the nation. Five sectors, including San Diego, are holding more migrants than their facilities can accommodate.
House Speaker’s Response to Executive Order
A spokeswoman for House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that Biden’s executive order on the border proves he doesn’t need Congress to act. Johnson has consistently urged the president to take decisive action.
Biden’s January Stance on Border Action
In January, Biden argued that he needed congressional approval to tackle illegal immigration. He claimed he had exhausted all his executive options and called on lawmakers to give him more authority.
Changing Public Opinion and Biden’s Response
Public polls show Biden faces significant challenges in his re-election bid, with illegal immigration being a top voter concern. This has led to a shift in the president’s approach to border enforcement.
New Asylum Restrictions
The administration recently tightened asylum interview protocols at the southern border. Officers can now swiftly remove migrants without a credible fear of returning to their home country.
Biden Considering More Executive Orders
Biden indicated he is exploring his authority to raise the “credible fear” standard for asylum seekers. This potential change aims to further restrict asylum qualifications.
Potential Ban on Illegal Border Crossers
The president has also considered banning asylum for migrants crossing illegally between ports of entry. This move would also allow for the removal of migrants at designated entries when crossings hit a specific threshold.
Democrats Shift Border Messaging
Congressional Democrats are reevaluating their stance on border issues. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is contemplating reviving the failed border legislation.
Schumer’s Call for Bipartisan Action
Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions to the border crisis. He criticized partisan rhetoric and stressed that only real collaboration can address the issue.
