The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant 70% Decline in Illegal Crossings, marking a significant achievement for the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to secure the southern border. This decline is being attributed to policy changes and cooperative efforts between the United States and Mexico to combat irregular migration. It marks a pivotal success in U.S. immigration control, with key factors including the Biden administration’s tightened border policies and stronger collaboration with Mexico.
70% Decline in Illegal Crossings
In a remarkable turnaround, the CBP has announced that illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have plummeted by 70% from their peak earlier in the year. This sharp decline reflects the impact of President Joe Biden’s June 2024 executive actions, which included a temporary suspension of entry for non-citizens and stricter enforcement under Title 8 regulations.
Impact of Title 8 Enforcement
One of the primary drivers of the decline in illegal crossings is the return to stricter enforcement under Title 8, following the expiration of Title 42. Title 8 allows for more punitive actions against illegal entry, including a five-year re-entry ban for deported individuals. It also facilitates the expedited removal of individuals caught crossing the border unlawfully.
This reinstatement of traditional immigration law has been critical in deterring migrants from attempting to cross the border irregularly. These policies, aimed at curbing illegal entry, have had profound effects, with encounters along the southwest border now at their lowest in over three years.
Tightened Asylum Eligibility and Expedited Deportations
In addition to Title 8 enforcement, new rules have been introduced that place more stringent restrictions on who can apply for asylum. Migrants now face tighter eligibility criteria unless they use legal pathways such as refugee programs or present themselves at authorized ports of entry. This policy has significantly reduced the number of people seeking to cross the border are now aware that they will not be eligible for asylum unless they follow these rules, additionally reducing the number of asylum seekers. The administration has also increased the use of expedited removals, nearly tripling the rate compared to previous years, and reducing the number of migrants awaiting court proceedings by half.
Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted these developments, attributing the success to the administration’s “balanced approach to immigration,” which has involved both strict enforcement measures and efforts to address the root causes of migration. She stated that the efforts of the Biden administration to work with neighboring countries and manage the flow of migration at its source is paying off.
The Biden Administration introduced a final rule that heavily discourages unlawful entry by making it more difficult for migrants to claim asylum unless they use legal routes or present themselves at designated ports of entry. This measure has been key in reducing the flow of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally.
Bilateral Cooperation with Mexico
The success in 70% Decline in Illegal Crossings also highlights the importance of U.S.-Mexico Bilateral cooperation. This has been pivotal as Mexico has been a crucial partner in these efforts, stepping up enforcement of its own southern border and agreeing to accept more migrants expelled from the U.S. as part of a broader cooperation to manage migration across the hemisphere.
The collaboration with Mexico has caused the Mexican government to increase its enforcement actions, including the deployment of additional forces to prevent migrant caravans from reaching the U.S. border.
Efforts to tackle illegal migration having been bolstered by Mexico’s assistance, the country has intensified its crackdowns on migrant flows through its territory. These joint efforts have been instrumental in stabilizing the situation at the southern border.
These efforts, combined with a crackdown on human trafficking networks, have significantly contributed to the reduction in illegal crossings.
To stay informed and ahead, be sure to check our news section regularly for the latest immigration updates and key developments as they unfold throughout the election season.
