In recent times, the United States has experienced a significant decline in border crossings, reaching the lowest levels in the past four years. According to a recent article published on Immigration Impact, there could be multiple contributing factors for this drop.
One key reason for the decrease in border crossings could be due to the U.S. government’s increased employment of physical and legal barriers. The administration’s implementation of policies such as ‘Stay in Mexico’ and ‘Metering’ have limited the number of asylum seekers that can apply each day, effectively impeding mass immigration. There are also several coupled legal restrictions that complicate the application process for asylum seekers, resulting in a deterrence effect.
Another potential explanation for the reduced numbers is the changes in migration trends, particularly from Central America. The socio-economic conditions in Central America have somewhat stabilized over the past few years, substantially reducing the push factors for immigration.
The closure of international borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role. To combat the pandemic, governments worldwide have enacted strict travel restrictions and border controls, which have essentially caused a stall in global migration. Although the increased health risks associated with traveling during the pandemic has discouraged potential migrants, some migrant flows persist.
Lastly, according to the piece published by Immigration Impact, there has been an increased reliance on technology to manage borders. The U.S has invested significantly in surveillance tech, like drones and biometric systems, helping border patrol agents prevent illegal entries and crack down on human trafficking networks. This increased surveillance makes the border crossing much riskier, hence reducing the number of attempted crossings.
However, while the number of border crossings has decreased, this does not necessarily equate to a decrease in desire to migrate. Many people are still living in precarious conditions around the world, forcing them to leave their homes in search of safety and stability. It is essential for us as immigration attorneys to recognize these changing dynamics and tailor our practice accordingly to serve our clients effectively in a changing world.
In conclusion, the notable decline in U.S. border crossings is due to a combination of stricter policies, improved conditions in traditional source countries, COVID-related travel bans, and enhanced surveillance technology. While this trend may seem to alleviate some pressure on the U.S. immigration system, it mostly represents a shift in the immigration landscape that warrants further research and careful policy considerations.
(The original article was published by Immigration Impact and can be referenced here: https://immigrationimpact.com/2024/07/19/why-are-border-crossings-lowest-level-in-four-years/.)
