With 5 Months Until Election, Biden Signs Executive Order Tightening Southern Border

WASHINGTON ― President Joe Biden on Tuesday cracked down on illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, potentially defusing one of his weakest political issues heading into November’s election.

The executive order he signed suspends the processing of asylum claims for most migrants encountered along the border between official ports of entry after the daily number of such encounters hits 2,500. The order does not affect people entering at official crossings who have sought permission using the authorized Customs and Border Protection mobile app, and creates exceptions for unaccompanied children, victims of trafficking and people fearing torture.

“Republicans have left me no choice,” Biden said in brief remarks from the White House Tuesday afternoon, blaming congressional Republicans for refusing to pass a bipartisan deal put forward earlier this year. “I’m moving past Republican obstruction and using the executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border.”

It’s unclear, though, whether Biden’s action will improve his standing with voters who view illegal immigration as a top issue.

“He already has a failing grade from voters on immigration,” said GOP pollster Neil Newhouse. “This is akin to closing the barn door after the horses have already gone out. Too little, too late.”

It’s also unclear whether Biden has the legal authority to impose such rules by executive order alone, rather than through legislation approved by Congress. Advocates for migrants are promising legal action to block enforcement of the order ― just as they successfully did when former President Donald Trump tried to take similar but far more drastic action on his own. The American Civil Liberties