In a recent development, the border crossings at the U.S have recorded its lowest in four years, as revealed by an article published on Immigration Impact. The fascinating trend is worth a profound discourse, as it holds substantial implications for immigration policy and law.
The article attributes this significant decline primarily to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact, leading to travel restrictions, lockdowns, and economic instability in various nations, consequently dampening migration fervor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order on March 20, 2020, citing public health reasons, to expel unauthorized immigrants at the borders instantly contributed significantly to these declining figures.
Apart from the health crisis prompting this change, the altered policies under the reclining tenure of the Trump administration should not be overlooked. The policies, characterized by enhanced border security and immigration restrictions, have served to deter many potential border crossers. The implementation of the Migration Protection Protocols (MPP), more familiarly known as the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, resulted in approximately 65,000 asylum seekers returned to Mexico to wait out their immigration court proceedings.
However, it is essential to consider that the immigration reduction statistic does not accommodate the increasing number of individuals attempting multiple illegal entries due to the stringent expulsion policy implemented amidst the pandemic. Hence, the actual reduction may not be as pronounced as the figures suggest, since the statistics do not distinguish between unique individuals and repetitive attempts.
Furthermore, the decrease in border crossings may have gone hand in hand with an alarming rise in the number of deaths among migrants attempting to cross the border. The International Organization for Migration reported a whopping 43% increase in deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. This aspect accentuates the hazardous journey migrants subject themselves to due to the desperation stemming from hardships or persecution in their home country.
The major takeaway is that temporary health measures, alongside the incumbent administration’s stringent policies, have played a significant role in the dramatic decline of border crossings. However, these factors have also fostered an unsafe environment for desperate migrants, thereby leading to an increase in fatalities. These complexities necessitate further examination and consideration in the formulation and execution of immigration policies in the future.
In conclusion, this shifting landscape of immigration should be attentively monitored and discussed amongst law professionals, policy formulators, as well as the general public. Awareness and understanding of these shifts can contribute to shaping a more comprehensive, human rights-focused approach while addressing the challenges of immigration.
When navigating these changes, the role of experienced immigration attorneys becomes paramount to provide accurate advice and legal assistance to individuals directly impacted by evolving policies. We eagerly anticipate continuing this dialogue on our platform, disseminating an accurate understanding of these changes among our clients and readers. Stay connected for more insightful discussions on these pressing matters in immigration law.
(Original article referenced: https://immigrationimpact.com/2024/07/19/why-are-border-crossings-lowest-level-in-four-years/)
