Biden's New Immigration Measures Show Impact
The number of apprehensions of people entering the United States illegally by Border Patrol agents fell in May to the third-lowest level of any month of Joe Biden's presidency. Preliminary figures released Thursday show that encounters with migrants have fallen even further in the almost two weeks since the president announced new rules to restrict asylum.
The Border Patrol made 117,900 apprehensions of people entering the country between official border crossings in May, as reported by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This figure is 9% lower than that of April. Preliminary data since Biden announced the restriction of access to asylum on June 4 shows that detentions have fallen by 25%.
Political Reactions and Legal Challenges
The new measures have sparked legal action and condemnation from various groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed lawsuits against the new asylum restrictions, arguing that they are no different from similar initiatives announced under the Trump administration. Despite the legal challenges, the Biden administration's policies are showing potential in mitigating illegal crossings.
Immigration remains a central issue for voters, many of whom believe Biden has not done enough to secure the country's borders. Former President Donald Trump has made immigration a cornerstone of his campaign, promising mass deportations and other measures to suppress immigration.
CBP's Efforts and Border Surveillance
CBP Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller stated that law enforcement efforts continue to reduce encounters on the southwest border. However, he emphasized that the immigration system is under-resourced for the current situation. 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 reaching Mexico's northern border.
The figures are part of a series of data related to immigration, trade, and drug seizures that CBP publishes monthly. These statistics are closely monitored at a time of intense political scrutiny over who enters the United States and whether the Biden administration is in control of the situation.
- In February, the Senate reached a bipartisan deal led by Republican Sen. James Lankford that would have changed asylum laws and ensured more funding for agencies to investigate migrants seeking asylum in the United States. However, the deal ultimately collapsed after former President Trump and House Republicans raised objections.
- The Biden administration's new measures have provided some favorable news in the area of immigration, an issue that continues to dominate media coverage ahead of a potential debate with former President Trump. The administration's efforts are focused on reducing illegal crossings and enhancing border security despite facing significant legal and political challenges.
