Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that the number of migrants crossing the southern border during the Biden administration surpasses that during the Trump administration. He attributed the border crisis to various factors, including violence, insecurity, poverty, corruption, authoritarian regimes, extreme weather events, and a broken immigration system. Mayorkas emphasized that migration challenges are not exclusive to the U.S. or the Western Hemisphere but are a global issue.
Mayorkas highlighted that the U.S. has seen historic levels of displacement, with over 2.4 million migrant encounters during FY 23, potentially exceeding that number in FY 24. He explained that the U.S. is a top destination due to it overcoming COVID quickly, creating job opportunities, and having a broken immigration system. The average time between encounter and asylum claim adjudication is seven years, showcasing the flaws in the system. Mayorkas estimated that several million people have crossed the border since President Biden took office, attributing the increase partly to the COVID pandemic suppressing migration in 2020.
The Biden administration has sought to address the border crisis by implementing consequences for illegal entry while expanding pathways for lawful migration. Despite these efforts, a bipartisan Senate bill proposing reform and additional funding has not gained support. The administration also pointed to 720,000 removals or returns of illegal immigrants since May 2023, surpassing numbers from previous fiscal years. Mayorkas acknowledged a recent drop in encounters, with 179,725 in April compared to higher numbers in 2023.
Republicans have criticized the Biden administration for the border crisis, attributing it to the rollback of Trump-era policies. They have passed their own border security bill, which includes restarting border wall construction and limiting asylum claims. Republicans also impeached Mayorkas earlier in the year, but the articles of impeachment have not progressed to a Senate trial. Mayorkas expressed optimism about addressing the border crisis through a combination of consequences for illegal entry, pathways for lawful migration, calls for reform, additional funding, and enforcement efforts.
In summary, Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged the higher number of migrants crossing the southern border under the Biden administration compared to the Trump administration, attributing it to various global factors and a broken immigration system. The Biden administration has implemented measures to address the border crisis, including consequences for illegal entry, pathways for lawful migration, and calls for reform and funding. Republicans have criticized the administration for the surge in migration and passed their own border security bill to address the issue. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to address the border crisis through a combination of enforcement actions and legislative solutions.
