The Biden administration is planning to propose a new rule aimed at expediting the asylum claims process for migrants with criminal records or those deemed ineligible for asylum in the United States. This proposal, to be announced by the Department of Homeland Security, would allow officers at the initial screening stage to determine eligibility for asylum, rather than waiting for a judge. While the change would impact a small number of migrants, immigration advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact on migrants who have just survived perilous journeys to the U.S. and may not have access to proper legal counsel.
The proposed rule is part of a broader push by President Biden to address immigration issues at the border. There is pressure from fellow Democrats and immigrant rights advocates to support immigrants already in the United States, including providing relief for those without legal status who have been in the country for years. Janet Murguía, president of UnidosUS, recently met with Biden to advocate for such relief and expressed optimism that the President is open to taking action. However, some lawmakers, including Latino and progressive Democrats, have expressed frustration at the idea of stricter border enforcement without accompanying measures to assist immigrants who entered the country illegally as children.
Democrats are split on how to address immigration issues at the border. While some are calling for relief for long-term residents and family members of U.S. citizens, others are advocating for swifter border enforcement to curb illegal crossings. In the Senate, Democrats are considering putting forth border proposals to demonstrate Republican opposition to stricter enforcement, while in the House, 15 Democrats have penned a letter urging the White House to take executive action. The goal is to ensure that asylum claims are processed quickly and efficiently while also recognizing the limitations on the number of migrants who can be accepted into the country.
The Biden administration’s proposed rule is seen as a potential precursor to larger executive actions on immigration. The timing of these actions will depend on various factors, including the number of illegal border crossings, which has been decreasing since December. The administration is under pressure from various groups to provide relief and support for immigrants, both at the border and those already in the United States. The push for comprehensive immigration reform continues to be a contentious issue, with different factions within the Democratic Party advocating for different approaches to addressing the complex challenges of immigration policy.
