Biden administration speeds up asylum processing at northern border

The Biden administration is expediting asylum processing at the U.S.-Canada border amid an unprecedented surge of illegal crossings.

Migrant arrests at the northern border soared from 1,000 in 2021 to more than 16,000 in the first nine months of this fiscal year. The plan is theoretically meant to reduce illegal crossings by forcing migrants to have documents ready for asylum screening.

Previously, migrants could postpone screenings to get the proper documents. The plan also reduces the amount of time migrants have to consult with lawyers from 24 hours, down to just four.

The policy is set to take effect today.