Trump calls for tightening restrictions on asylum-seekers in new memo

President Trump on Monday called for a slew of changes to how the United States handles asylum cases, including, among other things, a fee to file an asylum application. 

The president announced his plan for the changes in an official presidential memorandum that the White House said would “strengthen asylum procedures to safeguard our system against rampant abuse of our asylum process.”

The memo also directs the administration to adjudicate asylum applications absent “exceptional circumstances” within 180 days of a filing. 

“The extensive resources required to process and care for these individuals pulls U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel away from securing our Nation’s borders,” the memorandum reads.

The memo also bars migrants who entered the U.S. illegally from receiving work permits until they’ve been issued relief or protection. CNN noted that the memo would likely make it harder for individuals to apply for asylum because of the constraints. 

The memorandum calls on Attorney General William Barr and acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan to propose these regulations within 90 days. 

Trump has repeatedly denounced America’s immigration policies, often criticizing Democrats for what he views as a broken system. He called on Democrats to work with Republicans to address U.S. asylum laws earlier this month.

“Democrats, working with Republicans in Congress, can fix the Asylum and other loopholes quickly,” he tweeted. “We have a major National Emergency at our Border. GET IT DONE NOW!”