How will the president’s proposal affect asylum seekers in El Paso?

How will President Trump’s memo intending to charge a fee for asylum seekers affect migration to El Paso?

“I don’t foresee things getting any better anytime soon,” said Cynthia Lopez, a local immigration attorney. “Essentially, we’re throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks.”

In a memo released on Monday night, President Trump is asking for almost all asylum applications to be decided in court within 180 days as well as limited access to work permits and an unspecified fee for all asylum seekers.

“Charging people fees for asylum application is not going to stop them from seeking asylum,” Lopez said.

The memo is a change from the president’s message on April 5th.

“Our country is full, our area is full, the sector is full,” President Trump said earlier this month. “Can’t take you anymore, I’m sorry.”

President Trump will give Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan and Attorney General William Barr 90 days to determine how to implement the policies.