Biden imposes sweeping asylum ban at US-Mexico border

A drone view shows the U.S.-Mexico border wall, in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, U.S. June 3, 2024. REUTERS/Go Nakamura/ File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday instituted a broad asylum ban on migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a major enforcement move in the run-up to November elections that will decide control of the White House.

Migrants caught crossing illegally could be quickly deported or turned back to Mexico under the measure, which will take effect just after midnight. There will be exceptions for unaccompanied children, people who face serious medical or safety threats and victims of trafficking, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.