Zero? Probably not. Then people will shift from asylum seeking to crossing and hiding. That is worse. Plus the humanitarian implications of a zero trigger point. Thoughtful law allows for future possibilities, such as a capricious xenophobe in a position of power.

In fact, I think a trigger is a bad idea. Any number you set would be arbitrary. But I'm willing to accept it if it gives the executive a few levers that they can pull when necessary (which should be defined in the law). Right now the only lever is Title 42, and that is very narrow.

I would probably be fine with requiring people turn themselves in at proper border crossings. Expand the adjudication process.

As explained exhaustively, today's issue is not like 30 years ago (when I was a registered Republican). They aren't trying to sneak in to find under the table work. They are fleeing violence and persecution, gladly turning themselves in. A completely different scenario that current law and tactics are not designed to handle.

The real solution lies in fixing their problems back home, but that is probably impractical.