President Biden has said he’d shut the US-Mexico border if given the ability. What does that mean?

By COLLEEN LONG
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has made some strong claims about shutting down the U.S.-Mexico border over the past few days. He’s trying to salvage a border deal in Congress that also would unlock money for Ukraine. He also trying to disarm criticism of his handling of migration at the border as it becomes an increasing matter of concern to Americans in the leadup to the presidential election. Biden is referencing an expulsion authority being negotiated that would automatically kick in on days when illegal crossings reach more than 5,000 over a five-day average across the Southern border. The authority shuts down asylum screenings for those who cross illegally.