WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration is making it easier for refugees fleeing Russias war on Ukraine to come to the United States from Europe while trying to shut down an informal route through northern Mexico that has emerged in recent weeks.

A program announced Thursday will streamline refugee applications for Ukrainians and others fleeing the fighting, but will no longer routinely grant entry to those who show up at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum, as thousands have done since the invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin began almost two months ago.

The U.S. says it expects to admit up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine and about 15,000 have come since the Feb. 24 invasion, mostly through Mexico. Starting Monday, that route will no longer be an option except in extreme circumstances, officials said.

Its an effort for the U.S. to uphold its commitment to help Eastern European nations contend with the 5 million refugees who have fled Ukraine while trying to reduce the number of migrants seeking to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, which has become a political challenge for President Joe Biden and his administration.

We are proud to deliver on President Bidens commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russian aggression to the United States, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement announcing the effort. The Ukrainian people continue to suffer immense tragedy and loss as a result of Putins unprovoked and unjustified attack on their country.