Migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border have seen a significant reduction, marking a continuous decline for the third consecutive month. This change comes at a critical time as border security remains a pivotal issue in the ongoing election campaigns.
New federal data indicates that the number of migrants at the US southern border is at its lowest since 2020. This decline coincides with heightened political focus on immigration, as both parties debate over border security strategies.
Decline in Migrant Crossings
The latest federal data reveals that the US-Mexico border has experienced a noteworthy decrease in migrant crossings, reaching the lowest levels since 2020. This decline has persisted for three months, following executive actions implemented by the Biden administration.
In September, the US Border Patrol recorded approximately 54,000 encounters along the southern border, signifying the third month of consistent decline. This development comes amidst an election cycle where border security is a significant topic of discussion.
Biden Administration’s Executive Measures
The executive actions taken by President Biden in June are primarily credited for this dramatic reduction in crossings. These measures largely prevent migrants from seeking asylum at the southern border, imposing severe repercussions for those crossing illegally.
Migrants, however, are still permitted to apply for legal immigration through other channels, including the CBP One mobile application. This app enables US Customs and Border Protection to process around 1,450 appointments daily.
Political Reactions and Rival Campaigns
‘When you’ve seen previous things like this, they have been only enforcement at the border,’ a senior CBP official told CNN.
The official emphasised the importance of combining border enforcement with international cooperation and legal immigration pathways. Failing to integrate these measures renders enforcement efforts largely ineffective.
The timing of these measures, close to the election day, has raised questions. However, officials assert that this is a natural progression in rulemaking.
Kamala Harris’ Stance on Border Security
Vice President Kamala Harris recently visited the US-Mexico border, signalling a strong stance on border security amidst the election campaign. She stressed policies that would prevent migrants from seeking asylum unless they approach legal ports of entry.
‘As president, I won’t only bring back the border security bill that Donald Trump tanked, I will do more to secure our border,’ Harris stated. ‘To reduce illegal border crossings, I will take further action to keep the border closed between ports of entry.’
Impact on Election Campaigns
Border security remains a contentious issue among voters, influencing both Republican and Democratic campaigns. Former President Donald Trump has consistently criticised the current administration’s handling of border security, making it a focal point of his campaign.
Harris’ visit and statements are perceived as an attempt to close the gap with Trump on this crucial issue. Her efforts to balance tougher border security with broader immigration reforms reflect the complex dynamics of the campaign.
Future of Border Policies
The executive measures introduced in June can be adjusted based on specific criteria, including an average daily encounter rate below 1,500.
Presently, daily encounters are approximately 1,700, indicating the possibility of prolonged enforcement of these measures.
The evolving border policies reflect both a response to immediate security concerns and an adaptation to the broader political climate.
Conclusion
The continuous decline in migrant crossings at the US southern border amidst campaign scrutiny illustrates the significant impact of recent executive measures.
As the election approaches, border security remains a pivotal issue, shaping the strategies and rhetoric of both parties.
The reduction in migrant crossings demonstrates the effectiveness of recent executive actions and sets the stage for ongoing political debates.
The interplay between border enforcement and immigration reform continues to be a critical aspect of the election campaigns, influencing voter opinions and policy directions.
