Biden Administration’s Strategic Measures Lead to 32% Drop in Migrant Encounters

Significant Decline in Migrant Encounters

Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicates a noteworthy decrease in migrant encounters. Specifically, a 32% drop was reported in July 2024 compared to June 2024, marking the lowest monthly total since September 2020. This decline can be attributed to the Biden administration’s strategic interventions and newly implemented policies.

Presidential Proclamation and New Regulations

On June 4, 2024, President Biden issued a proclamation that temporarily suspends the entry of noncitizens across the southern border. This proclamation was further bolstered by an interim final rule from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. The rule restricts asylum eligibility for those who enter the border irregularly, aiming to curb unlawful crossings significantly.

The interim final rule stipulates specific conditions under which the border can be closed or reopened. If the number of migrant encounters between official ports of entry averages 2,500 or more for seven consecutive days, the border closure protocol is activated. Conversely, the border can be reopened once the daily crossings fall below 1,500 for seven consecutive days.

Enhanced Enforcement Measures and Removals

Following the implementation of these measures, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been active in removing or returning individuals who do not meet the new entry criteria. As of now, over 92,000 individuals have been removed or returned to more than 130 countries. This rigorous enforcement has contributed to the significant decline in migrant encounters.

CBP has intensified its border security operations, which includes an increase in removals and returns. The agency reported a decrease in the number of people released pending their removal proceedings, underscoring the effectiveness of the new policies.

Asylum Eligibility and Humanitarian Exceptions

Under the new regulations, noncitizens who cross the southern border unlawfully or without authorization will generally be ineligible for asylum unless they encounter exceptionally compelling circumstances. However, certain humanitarian exceptions are in place. These include provisions for unaccompanied children, some victims of trafficking, migrants with acute medical emergencies, or those facing imminent threats to their safety.

The updated rule also brings changes to the asylum screening process. This ensures that migrants who pose a public safety or national security risk are removed as swiftly as possible, thus fortifying the country’s border security framework.

Political Context and Future Implications

The Biden administration’s actions on border security have not come in isolation. They were partly motivated by Congressional Republicans’ blocking of bipartisan border legislation earlier in the year. The measures are also viewed as a strategic move by President Biden to bolster his stance on border security ahead of the November elections.

As these policies continue to unfold, their long-term effectiveness and impact on immigration trends will be closely monitored. The significant decline in migrant encounters is a testament to the immediate efficacy of the measures, although the broader implications remain to be seen in the coming months.