Biden administration wants to impose tougher rules on asylum seekers

The Biden administration proposed new restrictions on asylum seekers on Tuesday, saying it wanted to prevent an influx of migrants at its southern border once Covid-related measures are lifted.

The new rules wanted by the government would require asylum seekers to apply in advance and not after arriving in the United States, otherwise they would be considered ineligible for asylum.

These rules, posted on the Federal Register for comment for 30 days before being applied, appear to revert in part to the harsh regime introduced by Joe Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, which was ultimately overturned by courts.

An “illegal and immoral policy” for defenders of migrant rights

But the Biden administration argues that in the absence of action from Congress, it's the only way to manage the border, which up to 200,000 people try to cross each month, most seeking asylum. .

"

," an official said on condition of anonymity.

Read alsoMigrants: this “wall” that Donald Trump dreamed of … and the one he built

The rules would require migrants wanting to come to the United States to apply for asylum online, through the official CBP One app, and request an appointment to see US officials, or else apply for asylum first in a country they cross to arrive at the American border.

They would apply a system already in place for migrants from Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti.

They must be put in place once a pandemic-related measure - dubbed "

and allowing the immediate deportation of migrants without a visa, even potential asylum seekers - will be lifted.

This is scheduled for May 11.

According to officials, the new rules will be temporary and will expire after 24 months.

But they did not say what they would be replaced by.

The proposed measures have been strongly criticized by migrant rights advocates.

They will close “

,” said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America.

“

,” she added.