UNHCR expresses concern over the US's new stricter asylum rules.
"UNHCR is deeply concerned about the new asylum regulations announced by the US today," the organization writes in a statement.
The new presidential decree signed by Joe Biden on Tuesday gives border authorities the right, in certain cases, to deport migrants who have illegally entered the country – without first reviewing their asylum applications.
"The new measures will deny access to asylum for many individuals who are in need of international protection, and who may now find themselves without a sustainable alternative to seek safety and may even risk being deported," says UNHCR in a statement.
The decree takes effect when more than 2,500 migrants per day enter the US. Since the daily figures are now higher than that, it means it takes effect immediately. The restrictions apply until the figures drop below 1,500 per day over a seven-day period.
"We urge the US to uphold its international commitments and urge the government to reconsider restrictions that undermine the fundamental right to seek asylum," says UNHCR.
At the same time, UNHCR notes that the organization understands that the US is facing challenges in managing the significant number of people arriving at its borders.
