News brief

Biden changes asylum rules at the border. The Biden administration is further restricting asylum access at the southern border. Under the previous rules, the United States could restrict asylum access when the number of unauthorized migrant crossings between official ports of entry hit a daily average of 2,500. The daily numbers had to average below 1,500 for a week in order for the restrictions to be lifted. The version rolled out on Sept. 30 says the numbers will have to average below 1,500 for nearly a month before the restrictions can be lifted.

U.S. President Joe Biden faces criticism on immigration from a divided public. Back-to-back executive actions appear designed to thread a needle – to make him be seen as both tough and humane.