Biden raises limit for immigrants entering US via mobile app.

Biden Administration Expands Asylum Options for Migrants

The Biden administration has expanded the number of appointments available for migrants seeking asylum at land crossings with Mexico through a mobile app. This move comes in response to concerns that the current system is not a viable option for those seeking asylum. The number of daily appointments has increased from 1,000 to 1,250 at eight land crossings, up from 740 in early May.

“We’ll continue to expand appointments at the border as our operations allow in terms of capacity.”

The Homeland Security Department’s assistant secretary for border and immigration policy, Blas Nuñez-Neto, stated that the increase “reflects our commitment to continue to expand lawful options for migrants.” He also called the mobile app, CBP One, a “safe and orderly option” during a visit to Harlingen, Texas.

Legal Pathways for Migrants

U.S. authorities are trying to funnel people to “legal pathways” like CBP One and parole for up to 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who apply online with a financial sponsor and arrive by air. CBP One is for people of any nationality who apply in central and northern Mexico and enter by land.

The expansion on Thursday was met with cautious optimism and mild indifference among some of the 150 people, mostly families with young children, camped on a sidewalk at a border crossing where Tijuana leads to San Diego, hoping U.S. officials admit them without a CBP One appointment.

Challenges Remain

Demand has far outstripped supply since the Jan. 12 start, prompting many to consider crossing the border illegally or giving up. Enrique Lucero, migrant affairs director for the city of Tijuana, said the latest increase would have little impact considering how many are waiting. “It’s not a big deal,” he said. “It’s still very low and not enough for the pent-up demand.”

The changes included giving higher priority to asylum-seekers who have been trying the app longest and making appointments available throughout the day instead of all at once, which created mad rushes.

• CBP One is a “safe and orderly option” for migrants seeking asylum at land crossings with Mexico.
• The number of daily appointments has increased from 1,000 to 1,250 at eight land crossings.
• U.S. authorities are trying to funnel people to “legal pathways” like CBP One and parole for up to 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who apply online with a financial sponsor and arrive by air.

While the expansion of CBP One is a step in the right direction, challenges remain for those seeking asylum. The Western Journal will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

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