Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien joins Quinta and Scott to discuss Trump's recent conviction and possible appeal, Biden's cease-fire plan for Gaza, the new asylum executive order at the southern U.S. border, and more national security news stories.
The new immigration executive order by Joe Biden suspends entry for migrants crossing the southern border illegally, changing past asylum procedures.
Israeli National Security Minister's policy allowing Jews to pray freely at the Temple Mount may incite tensions due to its sensitivity.
Congress's invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu poses risks amidst changing dynamics in support for Israel and escalating conflicts.
Deep dives
Effect of New Immigration Executive Order on Asylum Practices
The new immigration executive order introduced by Joe Biden suspends the entry of migrants crossing the southern border illegally. It effectively reverses past asylum practices where border agents would inquire about a migrant's fear for safety if returned home. Under this order, migrants must voluntarily express safety concerns upon crossing or being detained, constituting what is known as the Shout Test. This policy change is likely to face legal challenges due to its impact on asylum procedures.
Israeli National Security Minister's Policy on Temple Mount Prayer
The Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, announced a new policy that allows Jews to pray freely at the Temple Mount. This decision is expected to be contentious and potentially incite tension given the sensitivity of the Temple Mount issue and the religious significance of the site to various groups.
Invitation to Netanyahu to Address Congress Amid Domestic and International Tensions
The Congress's invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver an address raises questions about the domestic and international political ramifications. This invitation, coming amidst high tensions with the US over the Gaza conflict and internal Israeli coalition politics, poses potential risks for Netanyahu, given the changing bipartisan support landscape within Congress and escalating issues relating to the Israeli government.
Challenges Faced by Netanyahu in Complex Political Calculations
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a complex political calculus amid changing dynamics in congressional support for Israel. With a significant number of Democrats criticizing Netanyahu's policies, especially in light of the Gaza conflict, his invitation to address Congress carries substantial risks, potentially affecting the US-Israel relationship and Israel's internal coalition stability.
Changes to Asylum Process
The US government has implemented changes to the asylum process, creating a cap on daily illegal border crossings. This policy makes it more challenging to claim asylum if individuals cross irregularly between ports of entry. The process now requires individuals to volunteer information about their credible fear of returning to their home country, without prompts from CBP officials. The new policy funnels individuals through ports of entry or the CBP1 app, significantly limiting opportunities to enter and seek asylum.
Orca Behavior and Luggage Record
Orcas in the Mediterranean have been exhibiting learned behavior of attacking sailboats, likely due to their increased leisure time from easier access to food. In the past, orcas in other locations were observed wearing dead salmon as hats in what seemed to be a meme-like trend among pods. On a positive note, the Osaka International Airport has achieved a world record by not losing a single piece of luggage in its 30 years of operation, emphasizing respect for passengers' belongings as the key to their success.
This week, Quinta and Scott were joined by Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien to discuss how he is coping with the end of the New York trial and to run through some of the week’s big national security news stories, including:
“A Perfect Conviction.” Last week, after less than two days of deliberation, a jury in New York state criminal court found former President Trump guilty of all 34 criminal counts on which he was being tried. He’s now scheduled to be sentenced just days before the Republican National Convention this summer, where he is expected to be named the party’s 2024 presidential nominee. What does this conviction mean for Trump’s campaign? What are his prospects for appeal? And what happens if he still wins?
“Biden Time.” Last week, President Biden laid out a three-step cease-fire plan for Gaza, sending the clearest signal yet that he is intent on ending the conflict there. Both sides have accepted the plan in principle but have yet to reach agreement on the particulars—and, meanwhile, Israel’s Rafah operation has continued. Is this finally a sign of the Gaza end game? Or that the end is nigh for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, which is under increasing domestic and international pressure?
“Order on the Border.” This week, the Biden administration unveiled a new executive order that will make it harder for migrants crossing the southern U.S. border to apply for and receive asylum during periods of high border traffic, facilitating their prompt removal. Is this move a reasonable policy measure, cynical election politics, or something else entirely?
