Biden announces new measures to curb border crossings
Washington DC - President Joe Biden announced new measures designed to curb the number of immigrants crossing the nation's southern border without documentation.
Biden, joined by his Vice President Kamala Harris, gave a lengthy speech on Thursday at the White House where he laid out the key points of his new plans.
His administration will now allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti – countries that have seen a rise in gang violence, economic instability, and other disasters – to legally apply for entry into the US each month.
Migrants will now be able to apply through a new cell phone app called "CBP One" while they are still in their home country.
Applicants will need a sponsor and to pass vigorous background checks to be eligible for entry. Those accepted will be able to live and work in the US for two years.
The president will also be providing new funding to further militarize the border and to go toward communities most affected by increases in migration.
The Department of Homeland Security will also expand the use of Title 42, a policy put in place by former President Donald Trump during the Covid-19 pandemic that allows border officials to immediately expel to Mexico migrants from those four countries who cross the southern border.
Those caught attempting to cross into the US from other countries will be sent back to their place of origin, and barred from applying for entry for five years.
President Biden has been under pressure by Republicans to address border issues
Republicans have been urging the president to make the issue of border policy a priority.
According to The New York Times, more than 9,000 migrants attempt to cross the southern US border every day. The influx causes southern cities and states to push their resources to a limit.
Republican governors, including Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida, have retaliated by sending buses filled with migrants to major states with Democratic governors, such as New York and Washington.
The move even forced New York City Mayor Eric Adams to declare a state of emergency back in October.
Some organizations have shared their disapproval with the continuation of the use of Title 42. In a statement, the American Immigration Council argued that expanding the policy will "cause enormous harm for the thousands of asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution in their home countries, and will now be blocked from seeking safety."
While Biden admits his plans aren't perfect, he claimed they will "help us a good deal in better managing what is a difficult challenge."
"My message is this," he stressed, "If you’re trying to leave Cuba, Nicaragua, or Haiti, or have agreed to begin a journey to America ... do not just show up at the border."
President Biden is scheduled to visit El Paso, Texas, on Sunday, marking his first trip to the border since taking office.
Cover photo: Imago/UPI Photo