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US News

Biden Is Expected To Sign Order Limiting Asylum on Southern Border

What's going on: President Biden is expected to sign an executive order today that will give border officials the power to quickly deport migrants who illegally cross the US-Mexico border, even if they are seeking asylum. The order would reportedly shut down asylum requests at the border when the number of migrants crossing at legal ports of entry reaches 2,500, and the border would re-open once that number drops to 1,500. In April, officials apprehended almost 130,000 migrants crossing illegally — that’s an average of about 4,000 people daily. Unaccompanied minors are likely to be exempt from the restrictions.

What it means: The order stands to be the most restrictive border policy that Biden has put into place to date — and he’s taking a page out of his predecessor's playbook to do it. Biden plans to use section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to enforce the EO, which is what former President Trump used when he attempted to ban citizens from Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. That section says the president can “suspend the entry” of migrants if it “would be detrimental” to the US. The move comes as Biden has faced political pressure to address illegal immigration, a top concern among voters.

Related: Nearly Half of Unaccompanied Minors Are Representing Themselves in Immigration Court (ABC)

US News

Religious Schools Are Getting Billions of Taxpayer Dollars Thanks to Vouchers

What's going on: The Washington Post recently examined the nation's largest voucher programs, which can be used at almost any private school, and found that most of the money is going to religious schools. Voucher programs can offer up to $16,000 per student, and have been growing in GOP-led states. At least 20 states use some type of voucher system, and in the six states where the programs have grown particularly large, participating families have reportedly overwhelmingly chosen religious schools, with some using the funds for schools their children were already attending. The Post's analysis found that in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana, over 90% of this school year's vouchers went toward religious schools.

What it means: The growth of voucher programs across states comes after recent rulings in the Supreme Court have blurred the lines between the separation of church and state. Supporters say vouchers give parents more options and that many see religious schools as the right choice for their children. Critics take issue with the tangling of government and religion as vouchers have become more popular. They also say vouchers divert funds from public schools, which unlike private schools are required to cater to all students.

Related: Louisiana Is the Latest State Looking To Pay for Private School Tuition With Tax Dollars (Axios)

Health

The FDA Is Taking a Deeper Look at MDMA

What's going on: Today, an FDA advisory panel will begin weighing whether or not to recommend the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Commonly known as molly or ecstasy, the drug is illegal under federal law. The application from Lykos Therapeutics claims the drug can help treat the disorder when used in combo with therapy sessions. About 13 million Americans had PTSD in 2020. Researchers have also been studying how psychoactive ingredients in some drugs can help treat disorders, like anxiety and depression.

What it means: If the panel votes to recommend MDMA for the treatment of PTSD, it would put the drug on track to become the first psychedelic treatment to get the FDA’s approval. The DEA would then reportedly move to reclassify a version of the drug so patients can use it. However, there are already questions being raised about the validity of Lykos’ studies on MDMA. The FDA raised concerns that participants can easily tell when they’ve been given the drug versus a placebo, potentially affecting the results. The FDA is expected to release its decision in August. MDMA is just one of many psychedelics the FDA could be taking a closer look at in the coming years.

Related: How Some Working Moms Are Staying on Top of It: Magic Mushrooms (WSJ)