U.S. judge blocks Biden’s controversial asylum policy

WASHINGTON (AA) – A federal judge in California has blocked President Joe Biden’s controversial asylum policy.

In a 35-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar called for reversing the policy requiring asylum seekers to first make an appointment at a port of entry.

It also overturned the rule requiring asylum seekers to prove they have already sought legal protection in a third country on their way to the United States.

This policy had been in effect for the past two months.

“The Rule — which has been in effect for two months — cannot remain in place, and vacating the challenged Rule would restore a regulatory regime that was in place for decades before,” Tigar wrote.

Under U.S. law, any migrant can apply for asylum in the United States, whether or not they present themselves at a legal port of entry.

The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union.

The measures were part of a broader package to prevent illegal border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The judge suspended his order for two weeks pending an appeal in the case.

The Justice Department has pledged to launch the appeal.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Majorkas said the ruling does not change anything immediately.

“It does not limit our ability to deliver consequences for unlawful entry. Do not believe the lies of smugglers. Those who fail to use one of the many lawful pathways we have expanded will be presumed ineligible for asylum and, if they do not have a basis to remain, will be subject to prompt removal,” he said in a statement.

“We encourage migrants to ignore the lies of smugglers and use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways that have been expanded under the Biden Administration,” he added.