Biden announces steps for migrants seeking to cross into US

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Joe Biden announced steps Thursday to curb migrant crossings into the US, asking those who are coming in to stay where they are currently.

Biden said through a parole program, migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti could seek entry into the US.

"The way this parole program works,” he said at a White House news conference regarding border security and enforcement. “One must have a law sponsor here in the United States who agrees to sponsor you to get here. Then that person has to go undergo rigorous background checks and apply from outside the United States.”

The president said migrants can apply for asylum through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One app and if they are approved, they can get to the US and work for two years. He noted that those who are denied or attempt to unlawfully cross into the US would be returned to Mexico.

Biden said Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti account for most of the people now traveling to Mexico to try to start a new life by crossing the border into the US.

"My message is this: If you’re trying to leave Cuba, Nicaragua or Haiti. If you're trying to leave Cuba, Nicaragua or Haiti, ... do not, do not just show up at the border. Stay where you are and apply legally from there," said Biden.

He also said he is expanding a program to accept up to 30,000 migrants per month from those four nations.

Meanwhile, Biden will travel Sunday to El Paso, Texas, according to the White House.

"The President will assess border enforcement operations and meet with local elected officials and community leaders who have been important partners in managing the historic number of migrants fleeing political oppression and gang violence in Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba," it said.