Hispanic Caucus says it's 'unbelievable' Biden considering restricting asylum

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is forcefully denouncing reports that President Biden may announce new changes to the asylum process as he faces criticism over the southern border.

In a statement Thursday, Rep. Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-Calif.), CHC chair, acknowledged frustrations around Republican-led blockages to Biden’s requests for funding to address the crisis at the southern border but added that the caucus opposes any “unilateral attempts by the White House to change our asylum system and put human lives at risk.”

“But it is unbelievable to hear that the White House would consider Executive Actions to prevent or restrict migrants from seeking asylum at our Southern Border and possibly use some of the same methods as former President Trump,” Barragán said. 

“Migrants have a legal right to seek asylum when they arrive at our border. Asylum has provided refuge for families, women, and children, and other vulnerable populations since World War II.”

She added that executive action is unlikely to actually address the problem.

“Many of the changes reportedly being discussed would do little to reduce the stress or number of migrants that continue to arrive at our Southern Border,” she said. “Enforcement-only policies do not work. And using immigrant communities as a political pawn is wrong.”

Reports that Biden would take executive action began spreading earlier this week drew swift backlash from immigration advocates and progressives. 

The reports claim Biden plans to use presidential authority to “suspend the entry” of foreign nationals whose presence is not in the best interests of the country.

The Biden administration has previously invoked this power in connection to sanctions against countries such as Russia and Myanmar and to prevent entry of people at high risk of spreading disease.

In her statement, Barragán said the caucus has not been consulted on any executive actions the administration may be considering but will “remain ready to work with the Administration and any member of Congress, regardless of political affiliation, to fix our immigration system and provide the resources necessary for an orderly process at our Southern Border with real common-sense solutions, not just punitive actions.”