The Biden administration is poised to introduce a “sweeping” executive action on border policy as early as Tuesday, expected to resemble a ‘controversial’ measure from the Trump administration, according to two sources familiar with the ongoing discussions.
For several weeks, officials have been developing this action, which aims to significantly restrict migrants' ability to seek asylum at the US southern border. This move is part of a broader strategy in an attempt to ‘strengthen’ Joe Biden's position on a key campaign issue often emphasized by his Republican rivals. The action is intended to counter Republican criticisms of border security and to preempt President Trump's stance ahead of the first presidential debate, scheduled for June 27 on CNN.
The upcoming executive action is expected to resemble a contentious measure from the Trump administration. It involves leveraging an authority known as 212(f) to curb unlawful border crossings between ports of entry. Officials have been considering unveiling the executive action after Mexico’s election on June 2 and before the first presidential debate.
In recent weeks, the administration has introduced several policy changes aimed at discouraging migrants from traveling to the US and assuring skeptical voters that they are tightening border security.
These changes include new guidance and regulations designed to quickly reject migrants who are ineligible for asylum and expedite court cases for some migrants, to help maintain lower numbers of border crossings.
A White House official informed CNN that no final decisions have been made regarding additional executive actions.
