President Joe Biden has promised a more humane border during the last elections – but his administration lost control with a record-setting influx of migrants and political backlash that could easily derail Biden’s reelection hopes.
93 percent of the American electorate considers the chaotic scenes of razor wires, hazardous crossings through the Rio Grande, columns of migrants lining up for processing, and the constant conflict between federal Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement a “crises” or a “serious problem”.
The recent approval of two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by the Republican majority in the House of Representatives also underscores the escalating tensions between Republicans and Democrats regarding immigration.
The dramatic situation unfolding at the US southern border is unprecedented, even given the long history of an uncontrolled influx during the last decades. The pinnacle of the crisis so far was reached in December, when more than 10,000 migrants were arrested after crossing into the US.
What’s Happening at the Southern Border with Mexico?
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the influx of migrants entering the US via its southern border, particularly during the Biden’s presidency. According to a Washington Post report, the DHS data indicates that over 2.3 million migrants were released into the country at the southern border during the Biden administration, with the majority being migrant families and certain adult groups.
Additionally, over 6 million migrants were taken into custody by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during this period. November 2023 alone witnessed nearly 250,000 illegal border crossings, with a significant portion of these individuals being released into the country while awaiting a decision regarding their claims of possible asylum status.
A report by The New York Times in 2023 highlighted the presence of approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US, a figure three times higher than that of 1990.
The historic influx is also felt in cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver, which are governed by Democrats. These cities have seen an influx of undocumented migrants, often bussed there by Republican governors of southern states. Since it has strained resources there, Democratic mayors in these cities have consistently sought increased federal aid to support and accommodate these new arrivals. New York’s Mayor Eric Adams warned recently that the crisis could “destroy” the metropolis.
Causes of the Migration Surge
Republicans attribute the increase in migrant numbers to President Biden’s immigration policies, citing his promises during the 2020 campaign to reverse Trump-era anti-immigrant measures and adopt a more compassionate approach. Since taking office, Biden has indeed rolled back several Trump-era policies, including lifting the green card processing suspension, halting border wall construction, expediting migrant family reunification, canceling safe third-country agreements, and introducing new parole policies. These policies allow certain migrants to enter the US legally for humanitarian reasons and have ceased the practice of family detention since 2021.
Critics argue that while Biden’s policies may have contributed to increased migration, external factors beyond his control have also played a significant role. The Economist points out that surges in US labor market demand historically correlate with spikes in illegal immigration. Additionally, the reopening of travel in 2021 led to a surge in border crossings due to pent-up demand. Furthermore, global factors such as the economic crisis in Venezuela and gang violence in Central America have contributed to increased migration to the Americas.
The migrants are also increasingly coming from faraway countries like Russia, India, and China.
Challenges in Addressing Illegal Immigration
However, the root causes of mass undocumented migration into the US are deeper and longer-standing, stemming from strict immigration laws, congressional inaction on reform, and an overwhelmed immigration court system. The current legal immigration process is exceedingly difficult for most individuals, with only around 3 percent of those attempting to immigrate legally succeeding, according to government numbers. This has led many aspiring immigrants to attempt illegal entry into the US.
The burden on US immigration courts is immense, with over three million cases pending as of November 2023. On average, it takes more than four years to receive an initial asylum hearing. Experts suggest that addressing this backlog requires doubling the number of judges, in addition to increasing the availability of interpreters, legal assistants, and law clerks.
Congress has failed to enact significant immigration reform for years, with the last comprehensive legislation passing under President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Political gridlock between Republicans and Democrats has stymied efforts to address issues such as labor demands, the legal status of undocumented immigrants, border security, and interior enforcement. The current negotiations on a border deal in the Senate exemplify this gridlock, with both parties struggling to reach a consensus.
Impact on the 2024 Presidential Race
The handling of immigration issues has become a focal point in the lead-up to the 2024 Presidential elections. President Biden faces mounting criticism from Republicans for failing to stem the tide of migrants crossing the southern border. Recent polls indicate that immigration is rapidly emerging as a top concern among voters.
Biden faces criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with conservatives accusing him of inadequate action against migrant surges and liberals feeling disillusioned by his adoption of certain Trump-era immigration policies, such as potential border closures. It seems like a no-win situation, but experts are also pointing to a White House, which seemingly has dropped the ball given those off the charts record numbers.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump enjoys higher public trust on immigration issues, with polls showing significantly more confidence in him than in Biden. Many experts believe that immigration could be a decisive factor in Trump’s potential return to the White House.
