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Metering (or Turnbacks)

Definition

An informal border enforcement practice where U.S. immigration officers limit or stop the number of asylum seekers who can present themselves at a port of entry on a given day, sometimes by telling them to wait or by physically preventing them from approaching.

Examples

  • Plaintiffs allege that CBP officers at ports of entry like San Ysidro told asylum seekers the border was 'full' or physically blocked them from entering to make an asylum claim.

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