Donald Trump Closes Southern Border to Migrants, Asylum Seekers

President Donald Trump has ordered border agencies to quickly return all migrants from Mexican territory, regardless of routine asylum laws, according to the New York Times.

The New York Times, citing information from four administration officials, said:

The Trump administration plans to immediately turn back all asylum seekers and other foreigners attempting to enter the United States from Mexico illegally, saying the nation cannot risk allowing the coronavirus to spread through detention facilities and border patrol agents.

But under the new rule, set to be announced in the next 48 hours, border patrol agents would immediately return anyone to Mexico — without any detainment and without any due process — who attempts to cross the southwestern border between the legal ports of entry. They would not be held for any length of time in an American facility.

The decision reduces the danger that the coronavirus will be brought into ICE detention centers by additional migrants.

Trump hails ‘really big night’ for populists in German election after historic victory

Supreme Court chief justice praises outgoing Smithsonian leader who was under pressure from Trump admin

George Bush welcomes top officials to his home state for 9/11 remembrance on 25th anniversary of attacks

Socialist politicians are ‘more racist than the KKK,’ says Black Dem official urging voters to ditch El-Sayed

Appeals court upholds order blocking IRS from sharing taxpayer data with ICE

Senator’s daughter wins Democratic nod in closely watched race to replace outgoing Dem incumbent

Data shows Amazon jet’s key braking systems did not deploy during deadly Miami crash: NTSB

Ex-Dem lobbyist for company that promoted addictive opioid clears key gubernatorial hurdle

Wife of top ex-Biden advisor easily advances to House showdown in November

Cold case takes grim turn after remains identified as runaway teen; homicide investigation underway

Establishment Dem defeats socialist challenger in crucial battleground Senate primary

Incumbent GOP governor rolls to primary victory after keeping Trump at a distance

New Hampshire Senate race set between John Sununu and Chris Pappas

Nancy Pelosi Disclosed a Multi-Million Dollar AI Investment Just Weeks Before the Stock Blew Up

Turning Point Condemns Georgetown ‘Mockers and Trolls’ Planning Event for Charlie Kirk’s Death Anniversary

The short report does not explain the legal rationale for the decision, which puts a final closure on the much-diminished 2019 inflow from Central America. But Section 212(f) of the 1965 immigration act says:

Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

Business groups strongly dislike this 212(f) rule, which can raise Americans’ wages by choking off the flow of blue-collar migrants into Americans’ workplaces during a growing economy.

The southern border will stay open for Americans, foreigners with proper documents, and for trade, the New York Times continued:

The administration officials said the ports of entry would remain open to American citizens, green-card holders and foreigners with proper documentation. Some foreigners would be blocked, including Europeans currently subject to earlier travel restrictions imposed by the administration. The points of entry will also be open to commercial traffic.

The New York Times‘ report was also silent about the northern border, which is open to many of the travelers from China who have been welcomed by the Canadian government during the last several weeks.