Migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have reached their lowest numbers since Biden became president. This follows a more hard-nosed immigration policy from the administration, including stricter asylum rules and a broader push for legal immigration avenues. Stiffer punishments for illegal crossings, along with wider regional cooperation, have contributed to shrinking the flow of migrants. It is a course correction for Biden as his administration juggles border security with humanitarianism.
The revamped immigration policy of the Biden administration relies on a model of disincentivizing unauthorized border crossing by creating more orderly and lawful pathways of migration. One important factor in these new lows, now in the numbers, is the stiffer sanctions for illegal crossing. These are designed to become factors of deterrence against migrants attempting entry into the U.S. through illegal means. These policies are brought parallel to enhancing border security with the view that genuine asylum seekers can apply through due process of law.
With this, besides being more uncompromising with policies at the border, the administration has increased its cooperation with countries in Central and South America to reduce violence and poverty that further drives migration. Cooperation with these countries is supposed to stabilize migration flows and cut the number of people trying to cross the southern border. The administration has sought a holistic approach to dealing with migration, taking into consideration migration flows within a broader context other than the mere implementation of stricter controls at borders.
Even with such developments in managing migration, criticisms from either side have still met the administration. The ones on the right claim that the policies aren't hard enough, while for those on the left, they're constricting to asylum seekers. And again, the administration struggles to find a delicate balance between national security and humanitarian obligations amid pressure from all political sides as it wades its way through the jungle of border management.
This sharp decline in illegal border crossings is thus a signal that the policy changes brought into effect by the administration have turned out to be effective, although more needs to be done to make such success lasting. Two of the biggest challenges that have remained for immigration policies within the Biden administration involve immigration reform and border security. The recent progress signals a more ordered and stable border setting; the requirement for further reforms remains high in maintaining such progress.
For now, though, the Biden approach seems to be paying off if the yardstick is the reduction in unauthorized border crossings. The administration in the future will have to satisfy both political flanks while adhering to its commitment to legal immigration pathways and border security. Success or failure will help shape what U.S. immigration policy will be in the years ahead.
Leave a comment!