Biden’s Presidential Proclamation Yields Significant Decline in Border Crossings

Presidential Proclamation and Border Statistics

On June 4, 2024, President Biden announced a critical Presidential Proclamation targeting immigration control measures. This proclamation seeks to temporarily suspend the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border, as part of a broader strategy to manage and mitigate the influx of irregular migration. This decisive action reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining national security and upholding immigration laws.

Subsequently, the Border Patrol reported a significant 29% decline in encounters between ports of entry in June 2024 compared to May 2024. This figure marks the lowest monthly total since January 2021, signaling a substantial dip in the numbers of individual border crossings. The proclamation’s intended effect appears timely, reflecting clear results within a relatively short period.

Impact of the Interim Final Rule

To bolster the effects of the Presidential Proclamation, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General jointly issued an interim final rule. This rule restricts asylum eligibility for individuals who irregularly cross the southern border. By curtailing avenues for irregular entry, the administration aims to disincentivize unauthorized border crossings and maintain orderly immigration processes.

Mirroring these regulatory changes, the overall number of encounters at the Southwest Border has decreased by more than 50% over the past six weeks. The Border Patrol’s seven-day average encounters have also dropped below 1,900 per day, underscoring the successful implementation of these policies. These figures illustrate the broader impact of these regulatory actions and their role in redefining the landscape of border enforcement.

Removals, Returns, and International Collaboration

In direct response to the Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has facilitated the removal or return of over 70,000 individuals to more than 170 countries. Notably, these efforts have been supported by the operation of over 150 international repatriation flights, underscoring the logistics and international cooperation involved in the enforcement of these measures.

The ramifications for irregular entry are significant. Those without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. face removal, a minimum five-year bar on admission, and potential prosecution if they re-enter without authorization. These stringent consequences are designed to deter irregular migration and reinforce compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Moreover, demographic decreases across various groups have been observed: encounters with unaccompanied children have reduced by 14%, single adult encounters by 28%, and family unit individual encounters by 36% from May to June 2024. These statistics highlight the cross-sectional impact of the new policies on different categories of migrants.

To ensure the sustainability and efficacy of these measures, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to work closely with both U.S. and foreign partners. This collaboration aims to disrupt transnational criminal organizations, enforce immigration laws robustly, and maintain the integrity of the nation’s borders. The collective efforts and partnerships foster a comprehensive approach to managing and controlling immigration at the southern border.