Biden Presidency Reports Lowest Record of Illegal Crossings at the U.S. Southern Border
A few months into the Biden administration’s asylum restrictions and border enforcement measures, the administration has recorded a significant reduction in illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border. A key component of this success has been the asylum ban implemented in June 2024, which played a major role in curbing irregular migration. This policy, combined with international collaborations and recent heightened enforcement, has directly contributed to the historic low in border crossings.
Statistical Decline in Illegal Crossings
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, the month of July 2024 saw the lowest number of illegal crossings at the southern border in over three years. The Border Patrol recorded just over 56,000 encounters, a 32% drop from June 2024. This dramatic decline is attributed to a series of executive actions, including the June 2024 Presidential Proclamation issued by President Biden, which restricted asylum eligibility for individuals crossing the border irregularly without first seeking asylum in a transit country.
- The CPB Reports that since the Presidential Proclamation and complementary Interim Final Rule (IFR) were announced on June 4, encounters between ports of entry have decreased by more than 50%.
- Even Mexican nationals, who constitute one of the largest migrant groups, saw a reduction in crossings by 52%, from 56,240 in December 2023 to 26,824 by August 2024. This sharp reduction in illegal crossings, driven largely by the asylum ban, has resulted in a broader improvement in U.S. border security.
This sharp decline in migrant encounters marks a turning point after a tumultuous 2023, where border apprehensions surged to unprecedented levels, drawing intense scrutiny and criticism of the administration’s handling of immigration. The Biden administration’s recalibration of border policies has helped stem the tide of irregular migration, delivering a much-needed victory for the President ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election.
Collaboration with International Partners
Another key factor behind the border security success is the strengthened collaboration between the U.S. and its international partners, particularly Mexico and other Latin American nations. Mexico, for instance, has intensified its efforts to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S. border by increasing its border enforcement, which has led to a decrease in irregular migration flows from Central and South American countries.
The Asylum Ban and its Broader Effects
The asylum ban, while instrumental in achieving these reductions, has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the policy may restrict access for legitimate asylum seekers fleeing persecution. Human rights groups have voiced concerns about the safety and well-being of migrants who are forced to seek asylum in countries that may not be able to provide adequate protection.
Nevertheless, the Biden administration has argued that these restrictions are necessary to manage the humanitarian crisis at the border and to dissuade migrants from undertaking dangerous journeys across Central America and Mexico. By reducing the incentive to cross the border illegally, the administration hopes to alleviate the immense pressure on the U.S. immigration system and focus on legal pathways for asylum and migration.
What’s next?
The Biden administration’s asylum ban, combined with more aggressive enforcement and international collaboration, has proven to be a game-changer in reducing illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border. The combination of legal deterrents and improved border infrastructure has led to a historic low in-migrant encounter. The administration faces ongoing challenges in balancing strict enforcement with humanitarian concerns, and the future of these policies will likely remain a topic of debate in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
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