The Biden-Harris administration’s Family Expedited Removal Program, aimed at quickly removing families who entered the US illegally, has allowed nearly 90% of migrants to stay in the country. Out of 24,000 migrants in the program since May 2023, over 22,000 were allowed to stay, with only 2,600 deported. More than 3,600 migrants have absconded from the program, raising concerns about their whereabouts within the US. These statistics have raised criticism from officials such as House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, who believes the administration is failing to enforce immigration laws.
The low rate of removals under the program indicates a lack of commitment by the Biden-Harris administration to enforce US immigration laws. Green criticized President Biden, Vice President Harris, and former DHS Secretary Mayorkas for failing to detain and remove individuals who have no lawful basis to remain in the country. The administration’s focus on masking its refusal to secure the border and enforce the law has come under scrutiny due to the high number of migrants allowed to stay in the US under the program.
The Family Expedited Removal Program was launched in May 2023 as a way to address unlawful entry into the US and provide consequences for such actions. The program involved placing ankle monitors on adult family members to track their movements while they awaited processing for expedited removal. However, the program contained significant loopholes, allowing migrants meant to be removed to undergo screenings to assess their fear of returning to their home country. Even if their claims are denied, they can still have their fear of persecution considered by an immigration judge.
The Biden administration had hoped that the Family Expedited Removal Program would help handle an anticipated increase in migrants crossing the southern border illegally following the end of the Trump-era Title 42 expulsion policy. Border agents noted encounters with more than 800,000 migrant family members crossing illegally since the program began in May 2023. Despite the program’s intention to address unlawful border crossings, the high number of migrants allowed to stay in the US has raised doubts about its effectiveness in deterring illegal immigration and enforcing immigration laws.
The escalation of encounters with migrant family members at the southern border since the implementation of the program has underscored the ongoing challenges facing US immigration enforcement. The Biden administration’s efforts to balance border security with humanitarian considerations have been criticized for failing to effectively address the issue of illegal immigration. The data from the Family Expedited Removal Program highlights the complexities and difficulties associated with enforcing immigration laws while also managing the flow of migrants seeking refuge in the US.
Moving forward, the Biden-Harris administration will need to reassess its approach to immigration enforcement and border security to address the shortcomings of the Family Expedited Removal Program. By working to strengthen border controls, improve processing procedures, and implement more effective removal policies, the administration can better manage the influx of migrants while upholding the rule of law. Addressing the concerns raised by the data on the program’s outcomes will be crucial in developing a comprehensive and effective strategy to manage immigration and ensure national security.
