Biden signs order to restrict entry of undocumented immigrants

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, recently signed an executive order aiming to restrict the entry and asylum of undocumented individuals in the country, as well as expedite deportations. This measure comes at a crucial moment, five months before the presidential elections, where illegal migration is a hot topic and thousands of undocumented individuals continue to arrive daily at the southern border of the U.S. The executive order includes temporary measures to limit the possibility of receiving asylum for those migrants that authorities deem are entering illegally in large numbers and overwhelming border resources. According to the Deputy Secretary of Border and Immigration Policy, Blas Nuñez-Neto, these restrictions will take effect immediately and speed up deportations of those who cross the border illegally. During a press conference, White House officials explained that the new immigration policy will be activated if there are more than 2,500 daily detentions for a week, and will be suspended if the number drops below 1,500 in the same period. In May, around 3,800 daily crossings were reported at the border, totaling 118,000 detentions in that month. This new action aims to repatriate a greater number of individuals more quickly, particularly affecting those who do not express fear of returning to their home countries. Migrants arriving at the border with a prior appointment via the CBP One app will be able to proceed with their asylum application, but those who do not will be expelled from the country within days or even hours, with a 5-year ban on returning. President Biden stated that these measures are not meant to depart from American values, but to ensure their preservation for future generations. However, criticism quickly arose from activists and organizations who view this action as an attack on the fundamental human right to seek asylum. Some experts warn that the temporary reduction in border crossings is unsustainable in the long term and that the immigration situation needs to be addressed comprehensively. Biden also highlighted cooperation with Mexico in containing the migratory flow and praised the Mexican government's efforts in this regard. In contrast, local authorities in Mexico expressed concern about the possible repercussions of these measures on the saturation of shelters and the increase in irregular crossings at the border. The uncertainty about how cases of non-Mexican migrants will be handled and the capacity of shelters to provide accommodation also raises concerns. Amid a polarized political context, immigration remains one of the most heated points of debate in the United States. With the presidential elections approaching, positions on immigration policy will play a significant role in the political and social agenda of the country.