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President Donald Trump is reportedly considering rules that would allow U.S. border officials to block U.S. citizens and permanent residents from returning from abroad if they are suspected to be infected with the coronavirus.
The Washington Post said White House officials have been circulating a proposal that would give border authorities the ability to block American citizens and permanent residents from entering the country from Mexico. The administration’s discussions were first reported by the New York Times.
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The Post wrote that it is unclear whether the Trump administration has the legal authority to block citizens and permanent residents from returning to their own country. One official said the administration is weighing a public-health emergency declaration that would let the White House keep out potentially infected Americans, according to the newspaper.
Federal agencies have been asked to submit feedback on the proposal to the White House by Tuesday, according to the Times, though it is unclear when it might be approved or announced.
The Times said a draft regulation appears to apply to all points of entry into the U.S., including at airports and along both the northern and southern borders. The draft could impact the border with Mexico in particular, the Times wrote, as many U.S. citizens and legal residents cross back and forth frequently.
A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security declined to comment for the Times story.
