In a major setback for the Biden administration’s efforts to handle the ongoing border crisis, a federal judge has blocked a key rule aimed at controlling the influx of migrants. The rule, known as the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways, was introduced in May and sought to make migrants ineligible for asylum if they entered the country illegally and failed to utilize the expanded lawful pathways provided by the government.
Judge Jon Tigar, appointed by President Obama, issued the ruling in response to a lawsuit brought forward by left-wing immigration groups. The judge stated that the rule is “both substantively and procedurally invalid” and has delayed its implementation for 14 days to allow the administration to appeal.
This rule was central to the administration’s strategy following the expiration of the Title 42 public health order in May. It presumed migrants to be ineligible for asylum if they entered the U.S. illegally and did not seek asylum in a country they passed through. The aim was to discourage irregular migration and encourage the use of legal pathways, including the controversial CBP One app.
Critics argued that the rule was cruel and limited foreign nationals’ ability to seek asylum in the U.S. The ACLU, leading the lawsuit, celebrated the ruling as a victory, but also called for the administration to do better in providing safe harbor to those fleeing persecution.
The ruling has dealt a blow to the administration’s efforts to address the post-Title 42 surge in migrants. Alongside this rule, the administration has been working on messaging, cooperation with NGOs and Mexico, and stronger enforcement of traditional Title 8 penalties. Processing centers were established in Central America, and a special parole system was set up for Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians.
Despite the setback, the administration saw a decline in migrant encounters in June compared to the peak in May. However, Republican-led states are also challenging the rule, arguing that it attempts to redefine illegal crossings as “lawful pathways.”
The fate of this rule and the overall handling of the border crisis will likely remain a topic of intense debate in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.
Source Fox News
