Tough new restrictions that would effectively stop Central American migrants from entering the U.S. are under consideration by President Donald Trump, Politico is reporting.
A draft proposal of the plan is making its way to Trump’s Homeland security adviser, according to Politico. It would block migrants from seeking asylum if they have passed through a country other than their own before reaching the U.S.
The website attributed the information to a DHS official and an outside advocate familiar with the plan.
If it is put in place, the plan would deny asylum to thousands waiting just south of the border, according to Politico.
Trump hinted at changes on Thursday, telling reporters he is “going to do something very dramatic on the border.”
"This is a big league statement," Trump said. "I'm not closing the border, I'm doing something else."
CNN reported that Trump said his announcement is expected either Thursday or Friday.
Immigration activists were quick to criticize the plan.
"It’s unbelievably extreme to try to inhibit anyone who comes through another country in their quest for asylum," said Kerri Talbot, the federal advocacy director for Immigration Hub, an advocacy group for migrants. "It basically means it would block all Central Americans from coming to the U.S."
But Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which has pressed to restrict asylum claims, said the White House has been looking for ways to make the changes.
"People don’t have a right to pick and choose where they ask for asylum," he said.