US Pushes for Quicker Removal of Asylum Seekers with Criminal Records
The Department of Homeland Security introduced a new rule proposal on Thursday that would expedite the removal of asylum seekers considered a national security threat or those with serious criminal convictions.
President Joe Biden, facing criticism from Republicans as he campaigns for reelection in November, is being accused, primarily by his potential opponent Donald Trump, of allowing unchecked migration across the U.S. southern border.
The proposed rule, published on Thursday, would permit authorities to deny asylum claims for individuals with specific criminal histories shortly after their arrival in the country.
Currently, asylum seekers are allowed to remain in the country until their case is heard by an immigration judge, a process that can be lengthy and resource-intensive, according to Homeland Security.
The rule will become effective after a 30-day public comment period.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that the rule will enable the identification and removal of individuals who pose a security risk and lack a legal basis to stay in the country.
The rule targets individuals who have committed serious crimes, participated in persecution, or are inadmissible on national security or terrorism-related grounds, as outlined by the department.
In March, U.S. authorities intercepted nearly 190,000 individuals crossing the Mexican border without authorization, with the majority coming from Latin America, a slight decrease from February and a substantial decline from December’s 302,000.
