Requests for asylum in the United States along the border with Mexico have more than doubled over the last three years

[...] The issue gained new attention last month after a group of nine immigration rights activists presented themselves at the Arizona border in Mexico seeking asylum. After spending several weeks in detention, they have been released into the United States pending hearings before an immigration judge who will make a final decision on their requests.

Homeland Security Department officials are quick to point out that such requests from Mexican citizens are rarely granted, noting that, on average, 91 percent are denied.

While it is unclear what will happen in the nine activists’ cases, some say their release into the United States, even if only temporarily, sets a dangerous precedent and could overwhelm ports of entry across the border. All of this is occurring while the White House is pressuring a reluctant Republican-led House to pass a major immigration bill.

“Frankly, I don’t think the House should pass any bill until the administration shows its willingness to confront and fix this problem,” said Senator Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican and vocal opponent of the immigration bill pending in Congress. “This is a direct threat to the orderly administration of our immigration law,” Mr. Sessions added, predicting that even the perception of easy entry into the United States through asylum applications could create havoc on the border by prompting thousands more to try the same tactic ...