In a significant ruling, a federal judge has halted the implementation of a controversial asylum denial rule targeting migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. The rule, introduced by the Biden administration, sought to deny asylum to those who didn’t apply online or seek protection in a country they passed through. However, the judge’s decision offers a temporary reprieve, allowing the administration to appeal.

The rule, in effect for two months, has been met with criticism from immigrant rights groups who argue it violates U.S. asylum laws, posing risks to vulnerable migrants seeking refuge. The administration’s defense of the rule, claiming improvements in protection systems of transit countries, faced skepticism from the judge, who highlighted the violence faced by migrants in Mexico.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department swiftly appealed the decision, expressing confidence in the rule’s lawfulness. Immigrant rights advocates praised the ruling, emphasizing the importance of upholding America’s promise of freedom and hope.

The ruling raises questions about the balance between border enforcement and providing avenues for valid asylum claims. With demand for asylum appointments far exceeding capacity, migrants are left waiting in Mexico, exposing them to serious risks. Amid these developments, encounters along the southern border have seen a notable decline, sparking debates about the rule’s parallels to past policies under the Trump administration.

In the face of mounting complexities, the battle over asylum policies continues, underscoring the challenges in addressing migration issues along the U.S.-Mexico border.