New Asylum Restrictions Border Arrests Plummet 33% in July

Border Arrests Drop Significantly in July – New Asylum Restrictions

Arrests for Illegal border crossings from Mexico have gone down by 33% in July, the lowest since September 2020. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agents arrested 56,408 persons last month, down from 83,536 people in June. This is attributed to the temporary suspension of asylum at the border since June 5, after illegal border crossings exceeded 2,500 daily.

Impact of Asylum Suspension and Border Security Measures

The suspension of asylum and increased border security measures has significantly minimized illegal crossing. U.S. officials reported that arrests decreased by 55% after implementing the suspension. Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller emphasized that these measures have made it easier for his agency to penalize those involved in illegal entry.

Political Implications and Responses – New Asylum Restrictions

Democrats who are facing continuous immigration challenges during Joe Biden’s term may derive some political relief from this drastic reduction in border arrests. Angelo Fernández Hernández praised the Biden administration for its effective actions, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration has taken effective action, while Republicans continue to do nothing.”

Legal Pathways for Migrants and CBP One Program Expansion

In July, CBP One processed 38,000 people at  land crossings through CBP’s online appointment system, CBP One, bringing the total number of people using the system since January 2023 to over 765,000. Additionally, the government admitted over 520,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela through a separate policy allowing online applications with a financial sponsor.

CBP’s plans include expanding the areas where non-Mexican nationals can apply for asylum using the CBP One app. Consequently migrants will be able to make appointments from states in Southern Mexico such as Chiapas and Tabasco as from August 23rd. This is expected to reduce pressure on Mexico’s northern regions and limit the dangers migrants face while traveling to the U.S. borders.

New Asylum Restrictions Criticism of Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies

U.S. Representative Mark Green condemned the Biden administration’s expanded legal pathways for immigrants, criticizing them as part of an open-borders agenda. Green criticized Biden for creating a “façade of improved optics,” encouraging inadmissible aliens to enter, burdening American communities.