Jonathan Blitzer, author and New Yorker staff writer, discusses Biden's new executive order restricting asylum seekers at the border, exploring its impact, challenges, and the reasons behind mass migration from Central America. The podcast also delves into the political dynamics and struggles faced by the White House in reforming the asylum system amidst global migration events and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Biden's executive order restricts asylum at the border, diverging from campaign promises.
Asylum seekers face challenges due to varied approval rates and lengthy court delays.
Deep dives
The Impact of Biden's Immigration Policies
Biden's shift in immigration policies from his campaign promises to restrict asylum due to political pressures is highlighted. The executive order limiting migrants from seeking asylum once daily illegal crossings hit a certain threshold has sparked discussions on the harshness of the policy.
Challenges in Asylum Seekers Process
The complexities and obstacles in the asylum seeking process are brought to light. The variation in asylum approval rates based on location and the lengthy delays in court proceedings create challenges for asylum seekers, impacting their ability to access legal rights and protection.
Global Migration Dynamics and Changing Demographics
The episode delves into the global factors driving mass migration to the US southern border, including issues like climate change, economic hardships, and political instability. The increasing diversity of migrants arriving at the border signals a shift in demographics and the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address the root causes of migration.
Joe Biden’s new executive order severely limits migrants from seeking asylum at the border. It’s a far cry from his campaign rhetoric and the New York Times called it the most restrictive immigration policy issued by any modern Democrat. What is he trying to accomplish?
Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.
Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.