United States

COVID-ERA rules that have prevented hundreds of thousands of people from claiming asylum at the southern US border expired yesterday, creating uncertainty for migrants.

The government says it is trying to balance a humane system of offering refuge with one that will prevent an uncontrollable spike in arrivals.

“The border is not open. People who do not use available lawful pathways to enter the US face tougher consequences, including a minimum five-year ban on re-entry and potential criminal prosecution,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. |