In response to mounting criticism of President Joe Biden's newly implemented executive action restricting asylum, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the policy while emphasizing the need for congressional action on border security. Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Mayorkas acknowledged that it is still early in the implementation process but expressed confidence in the positive signs thus far.

The executive action, announced last Tuesday, signifies the Biden administration's most significant move regarding the US southern border. It restricts migrants crossing the border illegally from seeking asylum, with certain limited exceptions, once a daily threshold is met. This approach has drawn backlash from both Republicans and progressive Democrats, highlighting the complex position Biden finds himself in on immigration issues leading up to the November election.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, accused Biden of "gaslighting" Americans on Fox's "Sunday Morning Futures." Abbott argued that the new policy does not effectively secure the border and lacks proper enforcement mechanisms. However, Mayorkas maintained that while it is too early to gauge the full impact, the restrictions on asylum will ultimately discourage individuals from attempting to cross the border unlawfully.

Mayorkas emphasized the administration's intent to change the risk calculation for individuals before they leave their countries of origin and incentivize them to use lawful pathways. This approach aims to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling into the hands of smugglers and human traffickers. Mayorkas also stressed the importance of cooperation from other nations in achieving this goal.

Despite the implementation of the new policy, Mayorkas called on Congress to take further action. He stated that additional resources and personnel are necessary, and legislative measures are required to adequately address the issue. Mayorkas pointed out that previous attempts to reach a bipartisan immigration deal fell apart due to opposition from both Republicans and divided factions among Democrats.

Notably, Biden's new measure has deepened the divide within the Democratic party itself, with some progressive lawmakers opposing the policy and likening it to actions taken by the Trump administration. Conversely, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware highlighted the differences between the two administrations' approaches, citing the Trump administration's controversial Muslim ban and separation of families at the border.

As criticism mounts, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has announced its intention to sue over the new policy, likening it to Trump-era actions. However, Mayorkas emphasized the legality of the measures taken and reiterated the administration's humanitarian obligation to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by smugglers.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Biden is on the verge of another immigration move aimed at providing legal status for long-term undocumented immigrants married to American citizens. This potential action comes as Biden seeks to secure Latino votes and navigate the complex landscape of immigration policy.

As the Biden administration pushes forward with its immigration agenda, the debate on border security intensifies. The effectiveness and legality of the new policy will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the coming months, while the call for congressional action remains a crucial element in addressing the complex issue of immigration reform.