The Biden administration is reportedly contemplating a new strategy to address the escalating immigration crisis.
The plan under consideration involves compelling migrants who cross into the United States illegally to remain in Texas while they await their asylum screening.
This proposed plan has been presented as a potential solution to curb the surge of illegal immigrants at the southern border. According to reports from The Los Angeles Times, this information was disclosed by three U.S. officials who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The strategy would entail forcing migrants to stay in Texas, or possibly other border states, by tracking their location through GPS monitoring devices such as ankle bracelets.
This move is seen as an attempt to manage the influx of migrants and ensure that they do not disappear into the country before their asylum cases are resolved.
The migrants would undergo an asylum screening to determine whether they can remain in the U.S. Officials have also discussed collaborating with local groups to provide housing for the migrants during this period.
This approach is seen as a way to alleviate the burden on border towns that have been overwhelmed by the influx of migrants.
However, this plan has not been without controversy. Texas has been embroiled in a feud with the federal government over its migrant bussing program and floating barriers on the Rio Grande.
Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about his belief that Texas cities have borne the brunt of illegal immigration and that “sanctuary cities” need to start sharing the load.
In response, Texas has initiated a bussing program to transport migrants to these “sanctuary cities” like Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles.
Despite this, many of these cities have become overwhelmed and continue to struggle with providing resources to the migrants. Democratic mayors have called for more support from their states and the federal government.
The Biden administration’s proposed plan would expand upon the Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) program, which places migrant families under a curfew and GPS monitoring.
It applies to those heading to various cities like Baltimore, Washington, and Chicago.
This potential move comes amid an increase in migrant encounters at the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that since May, it has removed or returned over 200,000 people.
The DHS also emphasized its commitment to expanding safe and orderly pathways for migrants to lawfully enter the United States, while imposing consequences on those who fail to use these pathways.
As we continue to monitor this developing story, it is clear that the immigration crisis remains a contentious issue.
The Biden administration’s new strategy could mark a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, but only time will tell if it will be effective in addressing the ongoing challenges at the southern border.