asylum seekers
“It is baffling and disappointing that President Biden himself has not clearly and forcefully spoken out," said former Cabinet member Julián Castro.
A federal appellate court has refused to delay implementation of a judge's order reinstating a Trump administration policy forcing thousands to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the U.S.
The Biden administration is proposing changing how asylum claims are handled.
It is legal under international and U.S. law for those fleeing their home country to ask for asylum at a port of entry ― no matter how they enter the country.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
President Donald Trump made it harder for immigrants to access asylum.
President Joe Biden has come under criticism from progressives for keeping asylum off-limits to many.
The federal government is housing around 21,000 unaccompanied immigrant kids, from toddlers to teens, the Associated Press found.
People sent back to Mexico under a Trump-era policy have faced dangerous conditions like rape, kidnapping and assault.
Historically, the U.S. has been able to work with various political situations, backlogs and surges from vulnerable populations without an issue.
Vulnerable asylum-seekers who are stuck in the backlog are unable to legally work, pursue educational opportunities, or obtain medical care.