Arrests for illegal border crossings have dropped by more than 40% over the past three weeks since asylum processing was suspended, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This news comes on the eve of a crucial debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, with immigration being a key focus of the discussion. Biden, who has faced criticism from Trump regarding border security, has implemented restrictions on asylum access and announced a new program targeting undocumented spouses of American citizens for a pathway to citizenship.
The restrictions put in place by Biden at the beginning of June have angered immigration advocates, who view the policy as similar to those implemented by Trump. However, Biden has also announced new programs aimed at offering new immigration pathways, such as the program for undocumented spouses of American citizens. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the Border Patrol’s average daily arrests have decreased by more than 40% since Biden’s proclamation took effect. While this number is still above the threshold needed to resume asylum processing, it marks the lowest number since Biden took office in January 2021.
Customs and Border Protection stated in its monthly release of statistics that border arrests had fallen by 25% since Biden’s order took effect, indicating a further decrease in illegal border crossings. The monthly data releases serve as a key indicator of border security and migration patterns to the U.S. southern border. The numbers had reached a record high in December before falling in January and remaining consistent throughout the spring, with Mexican enforcement playing a role in the decrease. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas visited the Tucson, Arizona sector, which has been a busy corridor for illegal crossings, and announced that daily average arrests in the sector had dropped significantly.
Mayorkas described the new rule limiting asylum as a success during his visit, stating that the actions taken are deterring individuals from considering crossing the border illegally. The asylum suspension, triggered when daily arrests exceed 2,500, involves a stricter screening process for individuals expressing fear or intent to seek asylum. If applicants pass the screening, they can pursue limited forms of humanitarian protection, such as the U.N. Convention Against Torture. Immigration advocates have filed lawsuits to challenge the restrictions put in place by the Biden administration. The drop in illegal border crossings and arrests is seen as a positive development by U.S. authorities.
Overall, the decrease in illegal border crossings and arrests since the suspension of asylum processing reflects the impact of Biden’s policies on border security and immigration pathways. The ongoing debate between Biden and Trump highlights the importance of immigration as a key issue in the election campaign. While Biden faces scrutiny from critics regarding border security, the recent data released by the Department of Homeland Security indicates a significant reduction in illegal border activity. The situation at the U.S.-Mexico border continues to evolve, with new policies and programs shaping the approach to immigration under the Biden administration.
