In a move to address the ongoing immigration challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Joe Biden is preparing to sign an executive order that would temporarily halt asylum requests once the daily encounters between ports of entry reach 2,500, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The border would reopen once the number drops to 1,500, making this the most aggressive unilateral action taken by the Biden administration to manage the situation at the border.

The impact of this executive order means that the border could be closed to migrants seeking asylum immediately, as current daily figures surpass the 2,500 threshold. President Biden is expected to announce these measures at an event in the White House on Tuesday, which will have the presence of border mayors.

These new figures, confirmed by five anonymous sources, represent daily averages over the course of a week. The White House has been informing lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the details of the planned order ahead of its formal rollout.

President Biden has been deliberating on taking executive action for months, particularly after bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing asylum processes collapsed due to the mass defection of Republicans influenced by former President Donald Trump. Despite the decline in illegal crossings at the border thanks to heightened efforts by Mexico, the President has determined that executive action is still necessary.

While the executive order focuses on asylum requests, other border activities such as trade are expected to continue unaffected. The White House aims to strike a balance between border security and maintaining efficient trade relations.

The decision to enact these measures underscores President Biden's commitment to addressing the complex issue of immigration while balancing the need for border control. The administration's approach seeks to find a sustainable and effective solution to the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border.