The mayor of Laredo, Texas, recently met with President Biden at the White House for an important discussion on immigration. During the meeting, Biden signed an executive order aimed at reducing southern border crossings by a third, a significant move that Mayor Trevino views as a game-changer.
The executive order focuses on asylum seekers, stating that those who cross illegally into the country will not be eligible for asylum. Instead, asylum seekers are encouraged to use an app to schedule their asylum appointments. Additionally, if the number of asylum seekers reaches 2,500, there will be a temporary pause on accepting new applications until the number decreases to 1,500.
As Laredo serves as the largest port of entry into the United States, Mayor Trevino believes that the announcement is supported by the necessary resources, including Border Patrol and law enforcement, to effectively manage and reduce border crossings. By making it clear that illegal crossings will not lead to asylum eligibility, the hope is to deter individuals from attempting to enter the country unlawfully.
Since President Biden took office, there have been nearly 7 million encounters at the southern border, a staggering number that raises concerns about the long-term impact on the country. Mayor Trevino acknowledges the challenges posed by outdated immigration laws and emphasizes the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address the root causes of the issue.
In response to the new measures, individuals who apply for asylum after crossing illegally will be returned to Mexico with a denial of asylum. This enforcement action aims to send a message that asylum seekers must follow proper procedures by applying through the CBP app or visiting CBP offices at designated ports of entry.
