Appeals Court Upholds Biden’s Asylum Restrictions
An appeals court in the United States has allowed a rule that restricts asylum at the southern border to remain in place. The rule, implemented by the Biden administration, makes it difficult for individuals to be granted asylum unless they first seek protection in a country they are traveling through or apply online. Exceptions are made for children traveling alone. The decision by the court grants temporary relief, as a lower court had previously ruled the policy illegal and ordered the government to end its use. The Biden administration argued that the rule was crucial in maintaining order at the US-Mexico border. The rule was introduced in May, as the US ended its use of a different policy called Title 42, which expelled migrants without allowing them to seek asylum due to coronavirus concerns. Advocacy groups have sued, claiming that the new rule endangers migrants and that the government’s app used to schedule appointments for asylum seekers is flawed. They also argue that the government is overemphasizing the importance of the rule in controlling migration. The government counters that the rule is integral to its immigration policy and that keeping it in place prevents confusion if it ultimately wins the legal case.
