The number of unauthorized migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in June reached the lowest level since President Biden took office. This decline comes after the implementation of stricter asylum rules. According to unpublished government data obtained by CBS News, Border Patrol agents recorded just over 100,000 apprehensions last month, compared to the 169,000 apprehensions reported in May. These statistics only account for migrants who were apprehended by Border Patrol agents between legal ports of entry, not those processed at ports of entry.
The decrease in illegal crossings has temporarily alleviated the challenges faced by the Biden administration, including operational, humanitarian, and political issues caused by an unprecedented migration crisis. In May, daily illegal border crossings reached a record high of 10,000 before the termination of the Title 42 pandemic measure. The drop in illegal crossings can be attributed to various factors, including stricter asylum rules, legal migration programs, efforts by Mexico and other Latin American countries to discourage migration, and tougher rhetoric by American authorities. Additionally, soaring temperatures in the southern U.S. have contributed to deaths among migrants.
The Biden administration has also increased regular deportations, imposing stiffer penalties since halting the Title 42 expulsions. The administration has implemented expedited removals and disqualifies migrants from asylum if they enter the U.S. illegally without first seeking protection in another country. These measures have deterred migration by reducing the percentage of migrants passing their initial asylum interviews.
The Biden administration’s efforts to increase legal entry opportunities have also contributed to the decrease in illegal entries. Programs such as CBP One and other initiatives are allowing thousands of asylum-seekers and migrants from specific countries to enter the U.S. legally each month. Moreover, other countries in the region, such as Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and Panama, are taking actions to discourage migration.
Despite the reduction in illegal immigration numbers, the Biden administration’s border strategy continues to face criticism from Republicans. Critics argue that apprehensions alone do not accurately reflect progress at the southern border, as they exclude those who evade capture and migrants who enter legally through Biden administration programs. Advocates for migrants and human rights groups also express disappointment, claiming that the administration is relying on restrictive policies inherited from the Trump era.
While migration to the U.S. border has decreased compared to previous years, the success of the Biden administration’s new border strategy may face challenges from lawsuits, seasonal migration patterns, and ongoing movement of people fleeing poverty and political crises in Latin America. The restriction on asylum eligibility is being challenged by immigration advocates and Republican-led states. Republican officials have requested the termination of the program allowing certain migrants to fly to the U.S. with American sponsors. The Department of Homeland Security anticipates continued migration in the coming months.
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