In September, the U.S. saw a significant drop in the number of migrants crossing the southern border illegally. This decrease marks the lowest point in illegal crossings since President Biden took office, following the implementation of stricter asylum policies aimed at controlling immigration.
What’s Behind the Drop in Illegal Border Crossings?
In September, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended just 54,000 migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, the lowest number since August 2020. This drop is part of a consistent decline in illegal border crossings over the past few months.
The reduction follows the introduction of new asylum restrictions in June 2024, which have reduced illegal border crossings by 78% since December 2023, when a record 250,000 migrants attempted to cross the border without authorization.
These new asylum policies disqualify most migrants who cross the border illegally from applying for asylum, leading to a significant decrease in the number of people trying to enter the U.S. unlawfully.
Key Changes in Asylum Policies
The Biden administration introduced several important changes to the U.S. asylum system in 2024:
Asylum Restrictions:
Migrants who cross the U.S. southern border unlawfully are no longer eligible for asylum if the average number of crossings over a 7-day period exceeds 2,500. The rule remains in place until that number falls to 1,500 over 28 days.
Exceptions:
The restrictions do not apply to certain groups, such as unaccompanied minors, migrants fleeing immediate danger, people with serious medical conditions, and those using the CBP One app to schedule asylum appointments at legal ports of entry.
Increased Deportations:
Migrants who do not qualify for asylum are being deported more quickly, with over 70% of migrant families and adults apprehended being sent back to their home countries. More than 121,000 migrants have been deported under these new rules.
Temporary Entry for Certain Nationalities:
Citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua can enter the U.S. temporarily for up to two years if they have a U.S.-based financial sponsor.
These changes are part of the Biden administration’s broader strategy to reduce illegal crossings while still offering legal pathways for migrants to apply for asylum.
Why Were These Policies Implemented?
The Biden administration has faced significant pressure to address the surge in migration at the southern border. Before these new policies, the administration struggled with processing large numbers of migrants, particularly those from Venezuela, where diplomatic challenges made deportations difficult.
The new asylum policies were introduced to restore order at the border, reduce the number of migrants released into the U.S. while awaiting immigration hearings, and make the asylum process more manageable.
Legal Pathways for Migrants Seeking Asylum
Migrants who want to enter the U.S. legally can still do so through designated legal entry points. The CBP One app is now the primary way for asylum seekers to schedule appointments at legal ports of entry.
In September, U.S. officials processed 48,000 asylum seekers at legal entry points using this system. The administration also temporarily allowed migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. under a two-year humanitarian parole program, provided they have a U.S.-based sponsor. However, the administration recently announced that it will not renew this program after it expires.
Political Implications of the New Asylum Policies
The Biden administration’s stricter asylum rules represent a significant shift in the Democratic Party’s stance on immigration. In 2020, Democrats advocated for rolling back the Trump-era immigration policies. However, Biden’s new approach is more restrictive, aimed at curbing illegal crossings while still maintaining some legal avenues for asylum seekers.
The new policies have sparked criticism from some migrant advocacy groups, who argue they are too harsh. Meanwhile, Republicans have accused Biden of using the policies as a political tool ahead of the 2024 election. Legal challenges are also underway, with migrant rights organizations contesting the new asylum restrictions in court.
What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy?
Although the Biden administration’s asylum restrictions were intended to be temporary, the administration has made it clear that they may remain in place for the foreseeable future. Vice President Kamala Harris has suggested that the policies may be strengthened if Biden is re-elected in 2024.
The future of U.S. immigration policy will depend on the outcome of ongoing legal challenges and the results of the 2024 presidential election. For now, it seems likely that the administration will continue to enforce these stricter measures to manage migration while still offering some legal pathways for asylum seekers.
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