The White House is telling lawmakers that President Joe Biden is preparing to sign off on an executive order that would shut down entries to the U.S.-Mexico border once the number of daily encounters hits 2,500 between ports of entry. The impact of the 2,500 figure means the border could be closed to migrants seeking asylum effectively immediately, because daily figures are higher than that now. Several people familiar with the discussions said Monday the border would reopen once that number declines to 1,500. Biden is expected to unveil his actions at the White House on Tuesday at an event to which border mayors have been invited.
The White House is telling lawmakers that President Joe Biden is preparing to sign off on an executive order that would shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border once the average number of daily encounters hits 2,500 at ports of entry, with the border reopening only once that number declines to 1,500, according to several people familiar with the discussions.