Biden Administration's New Border Measures Show Promising Results
The Biden Administration's recent measures to control the U.S.-Mexico border have started to yield significant results. According to preliminary figures released by the Border Patrol, there has been a notable drop in the number of apprehensions of people entering the United States illegally. In May, the Border Patrol made 117,900 apprehensions, a 9% reduction compared to April. Since the announcement of new asylum restrictions, arrests have fallen by 25%.
Voter Concerns and Political Implications
These figures are likely good news for an administration that has faced criticism from voters concerned about immigration. The Biden Administration has struggled to demonstrate effective control over the border. However, the number of people reaching the border often fluctuates due to conditions in other countries and the activities of traffickers. Immigration remains a major concern for voters ahead of the upcoming elections, with former President Donald Trump making it a key issue in his campaign.
Legal and Humanitarian Reactions
The new measures have not been without controversy. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the asylum restrictions, and 46 organizations signed a joint letter condemning the policy. Additionally, a memo to border agents in San Diego urged them to make decisions based on immigrants' nationalities, with Latinos being the most likely to be deported. In a surprising move, the White House issued an executive order to regularize the status of undocumented migrants married to U.S. citizens.
- The United States has also benefited from aggressive surveillance on the Mexican side of the border, where Mexican authorities have been working to prevent migrants from crossing. These efforts are part of a broader series of data related to immigration, trade, and drug seizures that CBP publishes monthly.
- In February, the Senate reached a bipartisan deal led by Republican Sen. James Lankford to change asylum laws and ensure more funding for agencies investigating asylum seekers. However, the deal collapsed after objections from former President Trump and House Republicans.
