Washington: US President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at tightening control over the southern border with Mexico, signaling a tougher stance on immigration ahead of the upcoming US election in November.

The comprehensive measures, which had been widely anticipated, include a temporary closure of the border whenever the US Border Patrol arrests exceed 2,500 illegal migrants per day. Given the current statistics, this order will take effect immediately starting Wednesday and will continue until the daily apprehensions drop below 1,500.

Further, the executive order facilitates expedited deportations of illegal migrants back to Mexico. Notably, unaccompanied minors are exempt from these new regulations, and migrants can still request appointments to present their asylum applications under the planned measure, as reported by CNN.

In a brief address at the White House, Biden emphasized the necessity of these steps to secure the border, a task he accused Republicans in Congress of neglecting. He was joined by officials from border states during the announcement.

Under Biden's administration, illegal crossings along the 1,900-mile border have surged to record levels, peaking at an average of 10,000 per day in December. While enforcement on Mexico's side of the border has reduced these numbers in recent months, illegal migration remains one of Biden's primary challenges as he seeks reelection, according to US officials and polling data.

The response to Biden's executive order has been mixed. The UN refugee agency expressed profound concern, and rights groups threatened legal action against the stringent measures. Meanwhile, Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, criticized the move as mere "window dressing."

Former President Donald Trump, a likely Republican candidate, accused Biden of surrendering the border to illegal immigration via his "Truth" social media platform, citing millions of people entering the country during Biden's tenure. Trump's own efforts to curb illegal migration, such as constructing a wall, failed to resolve the issue during his presidency.

Biden responded by criticizing Trump and Republicans for politicizing migration and blocking his request for billions of dollars in border funding, labeling their actions as extremely cynical and political.

Addressing criticism from the left, Biden emphasized that he would not demonize migrants and urged patience regarding the strict measures. He highlighted his support in the Senate for a bipartisan bill aimed at restricting asylum-seeker applications during periods of high irregular crossings.

Biden's new policy is expected to increase pressure on Mexico's President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who is set to take office in October, to enhance border enforcement.

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