Trump moves to restrict asylum for Central American migrants

"The United States has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of aliens encountered along or near the southern land border with Mexico," the new rules state.

The regulations - scheduled to be published on Tuesday - say, "an alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States across the southern border after failing to apply for protection in a third country outside the alien’s country of citizenship, nationality, or last lawful habitual residence through which the alien transited en route to the United States is ineligible for asylum."

"This Rule is a lawful exercise of authority provided by Congress to restrict eligibility for asylum," said Attorney General William Barr in a written statement.

“The United States is a generous country but is being completely overwhelmed by the burdens associated with apprehending and processing hundreds of thousands of aliens along the southern border,” Barr added.

There are limited exceptions to the new asylum rule, such as if the migrant can demonstrate persecution or torture; or if the person is a victim of human trafficking.

In Congress, GOP lawmakers gave the President a quick thumbs up.

“For too long, our broken asylum system has been exploited by illegal aliens as a means to enter and remain in our country,” said Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ).

The new rules are certain to face a legal challenge.

“The Trump administration is trying to unilaterally reverse our country's legal and moral commitment to protect those fleeing danger,” said Lee Gelernt of the ACLU.

“This new rule is patently unlawful and we will sue swiftly,” the ACLU added in a statement.