Biden Will Temporarily Bar Most Asylum Seekers At US Border
2Digest
President Biden's administration announced a new policy aimed at sharply curbing U.S. Southern border crossings, including for people seeking asylum. This policy, which utilizes the same law used by former President Trump in 2017 and 2018, aims to reduce the high number of asylum claims at the border. The policy will require migrants who cross without authorization to be ineligible for asylum unless they meet exceptional circumstances, and those who cross lawfully will face increased scrutiny for credible fear claims. The policy is expected to go into effect immediately and is likely to face legal challenges. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with a natural decline in border crossings during the summer months, has raised questions about its political motivations. While some argue that the policy provides Biden with political cover on the issue of immigration, others believe it will have minimal impact on voter sentiment. The discussion also touches upon the broader issue of comprehensive immigration legislation, highlighting the long-standing political gridlock and the potential for the next president to claim a mandate for reform. The podcast concludes with a reminder of the importance of supporting the show through MPR Politics Plus, which offers sponsor-free listening and bonus episodes.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, Felix Contaneras, Susan Davis, Mara Liason, and Sarah Martinez-Beltran. It also mentions the topic of the episode: President Biden's new policy on border crossings.
President Biden's New Border Policy
This Chapter delves into the details of President Biden's new policy aimed at curbing U.S. Southern border crossings. The policy focuses on reducing asylum claims and increasing scrutiny for credible fear claims. The hosts discuss the policy's similarities to former President Trump's approach and its potential impact on immigration.
Political Implications of the Policy
This Chapter explores the political implications of President Biden's new border policy. The hosts discuss the potential for the policy to provide Biden with political cover on the issue of immigration, but also acknowledge the deep-seated partisan divide on the issue. They also examine the policy's potential impact on Biden's base, particularly among Latino voters and young voters.
Comprehensive Immigration Legislation
This Chapter discusses the long-standing failure of comprehensive immigration legislation and the potential for the next president to claim a mandate for reform. The hosts highlight the bipartisan consensus on the need for both secure borders and legal immigration, but also acknowledge the challenges of achieving a comprehensive solution.
Keywords
President Biden
Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He assumed office on January 20, 2021. Biden previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama, and represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His presidency has been marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He has also faced criticism from both the left and the right on a number of issues, including immigration, climate change, and the economy. Despite these challenges, Biden has maintained a relatively high approval rating throughout his presidency.
Asylum
Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who are fleeing persecution in their home country. It is a legal status that allows individuals to live and work in a country other than their own. To be granted asylum, individuals must demonstrate that they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Asylum seekers are often forced to flee their homes due to violence, war, or other forms of persecution. The process of seeking asylum can be long and difficult, and many asylum seekers face challenges in accessing legal representation and navigating the complex asylum system.
Immigration
Immigration is the movement of people from one country to another to live permanently. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been a source of debate and controversy for centuries. Immigration can be driven by a variety of factors, including economic opportunity, political instability, and family reunification. It can have both positive and negative impacts on the receiving country, including economic growth, cultural diversity, and social change. Immigration policy is a key area of focus for governments around the world, and there is ongoing debate about the best way to manage immigration flows and integrate immigrants into society.
Border Security
Border security refers to the measures taken by a country to control the movement of people and goods across its borders. It is a complex issue that involves a range of considerations, including national security, economic development, and human rights. Border security measures can include physical barriers, such as fences and walls, as well as increased surveillance, border patrols, and immigration enforcement. The effectiveness of border security measures is often debated, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The issue of border security is often intertwined with other issues, such as immigration, trade, and terrorism.
Election
An election is a process by which a group of people choose a person or people to hold a position of power. Elections are a fundamental part of democracy, and they are used to select leaders at all levels of government, from local to national. The process of holding an election can vary depending on the country, but it typically involves the following steps: registration of voters, nomination of candidates, campaigning, voting, and counting of votes. Elections can be contested by multiple candidates or parties, and the winner is typically the person or party that receives the most votes. Elections are often seen as a way to ensure that the government is accountable to the people, and they can be a powerful tool for promoting political change.
Q&A
What is President Biden's new policy on border crossings?
President Biden's new policy aims to sharply curb U.S. Southern border crossings, including for asylum seekers. It utilizes the same law used by former President Trump in 2017 and 2018, aiming to reduce the high number of asylum claims at the border. The policy will require migrants who cross without authorization to be ineligible for asylum unless they meet exceptional circumstances, and those who cross lawfully will face increased scrutiny for credible fear claims.
What are the potential political implications of this policy?
The policy's potential political implications are debated. Some argue it provides Biden with political cover on the issue of immigration, while others believe it will have minimal impact on voter sentiment. The policy's impact on Biden's base, particularly among Latino voters and young voters, is also a point of discussion.
What are the challenges to achieving comprehensive immigration legislation?
The failure of comprehensive immigration legislation is a long-standing political and policy tragedy. While there used to be a bipartisan consensus on the need for both secure borders and legal immigration, achieving a comprehensive solution has proven difficult. The hosts highlight the challenges of addressing issues like the backlog of asylum cases and the potential for a future president to pursue more extreme policies.
How does the timing of Biden's announcement affect its impact?
The timing of the announcement, coinciding with a natural decline in border crossings during the summer months, has raised questions about its political motivations. Some argue that the policy is being implemented when it is most politically advantageous, while others believe it is a necessary step regardless of the timing.
What are the key arguments for and against Biden's new border policy?
Arguments for the policy include its potential to reduce the number of asylum claims and provide a more secure border. Arguments against the policy include its potential to deter legitimate asylum seekers, its similarity to former President Trump's policies, and its potential to exacerbate existing political divisions.
Show Notes
This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and immigration correspondent Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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