The Biden administration has introduced a new program aimed at expediting immigration court proceedings for single adults apprehended while illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. In efforts to curb illegal immigration, particularly in anticipation of the November 5 elections, officials disclosed plans to establish a “recent arrivals docket” for individuals with court dates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Under this initiative, U.S. immigration judges will strive to adjudicate asylum claims within 180 days, a significant departure from the current lengthy process characterized by substantial backlogs. President Joe Biden, a Democrat seeking reelection, has intensified border security measures in response to growing concerns among voters, with immigration emerging as a key issue. In contrast, Biden’s Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, has criticized these actions and pledged to reinstate strict immigration policies.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the necessity of bipartisan legislative action to bolster border enforcement, underscoring that the recent administrative measures are insufficient without broader reforms. While administration officials did not specify the number of individuals eligible for accelerated case processing, they disclosed that at least 10 judges will initially oversee the program.
Additionally, the Biden administration imposed visa restrictions on over 250 members of the Nicaraguan government and imposed sanctions on three Nicaraguan entities, partly in response to migrant smuggling activities in the region. Furthermore, officials intend to finalize a proposed regulation later this year, empowering asylum officers to promptly reject claims from migrants convicted of serious crimes, associated with terrorism, or posing significant public safety risks.
This article was reported by Ted Hesson and edited by Mica Rosenberg, Leslie Adler, and Daniel Wallis.