Border Arrests Drop Significantly in July
Arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico dropped by 33% in July, marking the lowest level since September 2020. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that 56,408 people were arrested last month, down from 83,536 in June. The decline followed the implementation of new asylum restrictions and the temporary suspension of asylum at the border starting June 5, after daily illegal crossings surpassed 2,500.
Impact of Asylum Suspension and Border Security Measures
The suspension of asylum and tightened border security measures have significantly reduced illegal crossings. Arrests reportedly dropped by 55% following the suspension, according to US officials. Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller highlighted that these measures have enabled his agency to more effectively penalize those involved in illegal entry.
Political Implications and Responses
Democrats, grappling with ongoing immigration challenges during Joe Biden’s term, may find some political relief in this significant reduction in border arrests. Angelo Fernández Hernández praised the Biden administration’s efforts, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration has taken effective action, while the Republicans continue to do nothing.”
Legal Pathways for Migrants and CBP One Program Expansion
In July, CBP One processed 38,000 people at land crossings through its online appointment system, bringing the total number of users since January 2023 to over 765,000. Additionally, more than 520,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela gained entry through a separate policy that allows online applications with a financial sponsor.
CBP plans to expand the areas where non-Mexican nationals can apply for asylum using the CBP One app. Starting August 23rd, migrants will be able to make appointments from Southern Mexican states like Chiapas and Tabasco. This expansion aims to reduce pressure on Mexico’s northern regions and limit the dangers migrants face while traveling toward the U.S. borders.
Criticism of Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies
The expanded legal pathways for immigrants by the Biden administration were condemned by U.S Representative Mark Green who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee as a Republican. Green said that President Biden was simply putting up a “façade of improved optics” by encouraging inadmissible aliens to come through ports of entry which he argued is a growing burden on American communities.
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