U.S. to expand rapid deportation nationwide with sweeping new rule

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle parks near the border fence between Mexico and U.S. as seen from Tijuana, Mexico July 22, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

(Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on Monday it will order more speedy deportations of immigrants who crossed illegally and are caught anywhere in the United States, expanding a programme typically applied only along the southern border with Mexico.

The rule set to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday would apply "expedited removal" to any illegal crossers who cannot prove to immigration agents that they have been living in the country for two years.