United States Considers Tightening Asylum Ban to Control Border Crossings
The U.S. administration is considering tightening an asylum ban implemented in June in an effort to keep illegal border crossings at low levels. This measure, which restricts access to asylum for migrants who cross the southern border with Mexico illegally, has been a key part of the government’s strategy to manage migration flows.
According to an official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), speaking anonymously, the proposed modification aims to extend the period during which the number of detained migrants must remain below an average of 1,500 per day before lifting the ban. Currently, the policy requires this average to be maintained for one week, followed by an additional two weeks of observation.
So far, the 1,500 daily detention threshold has not been reached. In July, Border Patrol agents detained an average of 1,820 migrants per day, lower than the levels seen in previous months, such as in December, when daily arrests peaked at 10,800.
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Impact of the Measure
The asylum ban was implemented on June 5 with the goal of reducing illegal crossings and encouraging the use of legal pathways to migrate to the U.S. According to official figures, the number of migrants detained at the U.S.-Mexico border fell to 56,000 in July, compared to 118,000 recorded in May.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice issued this ban as a “final interim rule,” meaning the measure is subject to review before being finalized. According to a DHS spokesperson, public comments on the policy are being reviewed, though no official statements have been made about potential changes.
Political Context
Immigration control is a central topic in the political debate ahead of the November presidential and legislative elections. Border management and immigration policies have sparked discussions in Congress and among key candidates, including former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Authorities continue to monitor the effects of the measure and its impact on migration flows while assessing the need for further adjustments to effectively control the U.S. southern border.
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