In the wake of a failed bid to pair foreign aid with border security reforms in a legislative package, President Joe Biden is considering executive actions to stem the tide of illegal entry into the U.S., Politico reported, citing "three people familiar with the plans."
Upon taking office, Biden rescinded many of former President Donald Trump's executive orders, including the "Remain in Mexico" policy requiring that asylum seekers remain outside of the U.S. until their court date. While supporting the Senate border deal, Biden insisted he needed congressional action to secure the border, an assertion that drew bipartisan criticism at the time.
Republicans ultimately blocked the deal and the upper chamber ultimately approved the foreign aid component in a standalone measure that has languished in the House. With legislative action on the border seemingly on the backburner, Biden may move to undercut his prior assertion and act unilaterally.
On the table is a move to restrict asylum eligibility to aliens arriving at ports of entry after a set threshold of illegal crossings. The White House has also reportedly discussed raising the threshold for would-be asylees to claim a "credible fear" should they return return to the home country.
Biden remains underwater with voters over his handling of immigration, earning an average 31.2% approval on the issue, according to RealClearPolitics. By contrast, 64.5% disapprove of his performance on the issue.
Also facing scrutiny is Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whom the House impeached earlier this month.
Related Story: Gaetz Introduces Bill to Give States Right to Defend Southern Border
