Biden Considers Executive Action to Limit Asylum Claims by Illegal Border Crossers
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for February 22, 2024.
Biden Considers Executive Action to Limit Asylum Claims by Illegal Border Crossers
The New York Times.- President Joe Biden is contemplating an executive order to prevent individuals who illegally enter the United States from claiming asylum, according to sources familiar with the proposal. This significant shift aims to suspend the long-standing right to seek asylum upon reaching U.S. soil, mirroring a major aspect of a bipartisan bill recently blocked by Republicans. The proposed action would set specific thresholds for unlawful crossings that would trigger the denial of asylum to new entrants. This approach reflects a dramatic change in Biden's immigration policy stance, moving towards stricter measures due to the surging numbers at the U.S.-Mexico border and the overwhelmed asylum system. The potential move, echoing a Trump-era effort, is expected to face legal challenges but highlights Biden's effort to address one of his most pressing political vulnerabilities—the border crisis. The discussion around using Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act indicates the administration's search for solutions amidst congressional gridlocks and increasing migration pressures.
Attacks against migrants passing through Torreón increase, reports Centro de Día
El Siglo de Torreón.- The Jesús Torres Day Center in Torreón has reported an increase in attacks against migrants traveling through the region, with recent incidents of violence that left a group of 30 migrants with serious injuries after being thrown from a train. Concepción Martínez, coordinator of the center, demands that the Human Rights Commission of the State of Coahuila act against these attacks, which include assaults and severe physical attacks. The situation has caused fear among migrants, mainly affecting entire families seeking to cross into the United States. Martínez criticizes the lack of concrete actions by the authorities and the participation of citizens in acts of violence, calling them xenophobia and classism. The center requests help with clothing and footwear for those affected and calls for effective measures to stop these attacks.
Texas Spends Over $148 Million to Bus Migrants to Democratic Cities
The Texas Tribune.- Since April 2022, Texas has allocated over $148 million to transport more than 102,000 migrants to various cities across the United States as part of Governor Greg Abbott's initiative. This program, a response to federal immigration policies, aims to distribute the impact of border crossings more broadly across the country. The busing strategy is part of the larger Operation Lone Star border security initiative, which costs $10 billion. While some criticize the expenditure, others, like State Rep. David Spiller, argue it highlights Texas's challenges due to its border location. The program has evolved, with initial partnerships with organizations to assist migrants upon arrival in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., which are now strained due to logistical changes. Despite the controversy, migrants like J. from Venezuela see the program as life-changing, offering new opportunities in the U.S. The initiative continues amidst calls from other states for federal support to manage the incoming migrants.
Nearly Two-Thirds of Texans Support Increased Border Militarization
Austin American-Stateman.- A recent poll reveals that most Texans back Governor Greg Abbott's border security measures, including heightened enforcement and the construction of physical barriers along the Texas-Mexico border. This sentiment extends to using buoys and barbed wire to prevent unauthorized crossings. The Texas Politics Project survey, conducted among 1,200 registered voters, showcases bipartisan albeit varied support for these initiatives. While Republican and independent voters show substantial favor, Democratic support is more tempered. This poll comes as Abbott announces plans for a permanent military installation to bolster Operation Lone Star, emphasizing Texas's commitment to managing its border challenges amidst ongoing federal-state disputes and concerns over humanitarian impacts.