Biden Signs Executive Order on Tuesday to Shut Down Asylum Requests at U.S.-Mexico Border When Crossings Exceed 2,500

Jun 3, 2024, 10:00 PM

President Joe Biden has signed an executive order on Tuesday to temporarily shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily crossings exceed 2,500. The order, which takes effect immediately, aims to curb the surge of migrants and is considered one of the most restrictive immigration policies by a modern Democratic president. The border will reopen to asylum seekers when daily crossings fall below 1,500. This measure is expected to significantly limit the ability of migrants who cross the border illegally to claim asylum and will allow for their quick deportation back to Mexico or their home countries. Currently, daily crossings average over 4,000, so the border could be closed as early as today. The executive order also partially shuts down asylum processing along the border.