I repeat: the greatest threat to our national security is Donald Trump

Followed closely by the GOP in Congress.

Fixated on the migrant caravan moving north through Mexico, President Trump is weighing a plan to shut the U.S. border to Central Americans and deny them the opportunity to seek asylum, asserting similar emergency powers used during the early 2017 “travel ban,” according to administration officials and people familiar with the proposal.

The White House is also preparing to deploy as many as 1,000 additional U.S. troops to assist in security operations at the southern border in anticipation of the caravan’s arrival, officials said.

  WaPo

Pure political play.

Under U.S. law, foreign nationals fleeing persecution have the right to apply for asylum once they reach American soil, but the executive order under consideration would suspend that provision and bar Central Americans as a matter of national security, according to those familiar with the proposal.

[...]

According to a draft of the proposed rule reviewed by The Washington Post, the administration argues that the president can use his authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum because it “would be contrary to the national interest” and “detrimental to the interests of the United States.”

With absolutely no evidence to support that claim.

A White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal discussions, said the administration is considering a wide range of legal, administrative and legislative options.

“No decisions have been made at this time,” the official said. “Nor will we forecast to smugglers or caravans what precise strategies will or will not be deployed.”

Said another administration official when asked about the Central America ban, “Everything is on the table.”

Apparently including military action.

Impoverished families, many of whom are traveling with children and surviving on handouts, comprise the bulk of those advancing slowly through southern Mexico.

[...]

The migrant caravan remains more than 900 miles from U.S. territory and has dwindled to about [3,600] people, according to the latest estimates from Mexican authorities.

[...]

The Mexican government said it had processed 1,700 asylum claims.

Expect more to drop out along the way. And expect Trump/GOP/Fox News to keep citing the number as 7,000.

The additional troops would reinforce the 2,000 or so National Guard personnel deployed to the border since April. Under a Pentagon order that could be issued as soon as Friday, they would not make arrests or operate in an enforcement role, according to officials with knowledge of the plan.

Then, what the Hell would they do?

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.