Civil rights groups are raising serious concerns about President Biden’s newly implemented border rule, which sets a daily limit on the number of asylum seekers. Critics argue that this policy endangers the lives of migrants by forcing them to remain in Mexico, which they describe as a death sentence due to the high levels of violence in areas like Tijuana.
Lindsay Toczylowski, who leads the Immigrant Defenders Law Center in San Diego, predicts that the new rules will compel illegal immigrants to cross into the U.S. through more remote and dangerous routes. She urges the White House to adopt a model similar to California’s, where coordinated efforts by non-profits help welcome and support asylum seekers. Toczylowski also warns that these restrictions will create a significant backlog, forcing asylum seekers to stay longer in perilous conditions in Mexico.
In addition to the safety concerns, the new rule requires asylum seekers to use a smartphone app called CBP-One to apply, raising fears about the app’s reliability. Marisa Limón Garza, head of the Texas-based Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, notes that the app has previously crashed, leaving migrants stranded at the border. Garza criticizes the system, emphasizing that at some of the largest ports of entry, guards are not allowing walk-up applications, further complicating the process for asylum seekers.
Garza advocates for the expansion of visas to legally welcome asylum seekers rather than relying on a flawed digital system. She points out that the app’s technical issues have already caused significant problems and fears that these issues will worsen with the increased demand.
The new border policy has drawn widespread criticism from various advocacy groups who argue that it not only endangers lives but also fails to address the underlying humanitarian needs of asylum seekers. They call for a more compassionate and practical approach that ensures safety and dignity for those seeking refuge.
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