UN stresses ‘fundamental human right’ of seeking asylum after Biden announces new immigration policy

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN said Tuesday that seeking asylum is “a fundamental human right" in response to an executive order issued by US President Joe Biden to significantly restrict asylum by temporarily closing the US-Mexico border.

During a news conference, Florencia Soto Nino, the UN Secretary-General's associate spokesperson, was asked about the move by Biden. She responded by saying that the announcement is very new and that they need to examine it in more detail.

"However, I just want to remind you that UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees) and our position as well as that, in all situations, we reiterate that seeking asylum is a fundamental human right and access to asylum for those in need is paramount," she said.

Biden rolled out the new executive order Tuesday to significantly restrict asylum claims in a bid to stave off Republican criticism of his border policies ahead of November's presidential election.

It bars individuals who crossed the southern border illegally from receiving asylum "absent exceptionally compelling circumstances," a senior Biden administration official told reporters.

Individuals will only be referred to an asylum officer for a screening "if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal of fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum," said the official.

"The United States will continue to adhere to its international obligations and commitments by screening individuals who are found to be ineligible for asylum for withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protections at a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, a new substantially higher standard and is currently being applied at the border," he added.

The order goes into effect when there is a seven-day average of 2,500 or more "border encounters" per day. That includes the southwestern land border and southern US coastal borders. There are already well over 2,500 daily "border encounters," meaning the order immediately takes effect.

Its restrictions remain in place until two weeks after the number of "border encounters" dips below 1,500.

"Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States," said the official.