Arrests for illegal border crossings have dropped by more than 40% in the three weeks since the Biden administration suspended asylum processing, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This significant decline marks the lowest number of daily arrests since January 2021, just before President Joe Biden took office.
The U.S. dollar was trading at 160.39 yen, a level last seen in December 1986, as the yawning interest rate gap between the two countries continued to hammer Japan's currency.
The average daily arrests by the Border Patrol over a seven-day period have fallen below 2,400, down from levels above 4,000 before the suspension took effect on June 5. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the figures on Wednesday in Tucson, Arizona, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings over the past year.
"These numbers reflect the effectiveness of the measures we've put in place," Mayorkas said. "We are committed to ensuring a secure and orderly process at our borders."
The suspension of asylum processing is activated when daily arrests exceed 2,500. Under this policy, individuals expressing a fear of persecution or an intention to seek asylum are screened by a U.S. asylum officer under a more stringent standard. If they pass the screening, they can pursue limited forms of humanitarian protection, such as those provided under the U.N. Convention Against Torture.
President Biden's order has faced criticism from immigration advocacy groups, who argue that it mirrors policies attempted by former President Donald Trump. These groups have filed lawsuits to block the measure, asserting that it undermines the rights of asylum seekers.
Biden's stance on immigration has been a focal point of contention, particularly as he prepares to debate former President Trump. Trump has consistently criticized Biden's border policies, framing the situation as a security and economic threat to the nation.
The DHS's announcement comes amidst a backdrop of fluctuating border arrest numbers. The monthly data releases from Customs and Border Protection are closely monitored as indicators of border security. Last December, the number of arrests reached a record high, but fell by roughly half in January, attributed largely to increased enforcement by Mexican authorities.
In the Tucson sector, which has seen the highest volume of illegal crossings, the seven-day daily average of arrests was just under 600 on Tuesday, a significant drop from nearly 1,200 on June 2. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of the new measures in reducing these numbers.
"We are seeing the impact of our actions in real-time," he said. "The reduction in arrests is a testament to our ongoing efforts to manage the border effectively."
Despite the decline in arrests, the current numbers remain above the 1,500 threshold required to resume normal asylum processing. However, the administration views the reduction as a positive step towards restoring order at the border.
"The goal is to create a more manageable and humane process," Mayorkas added. "We are not just focusing on reducing numbers, but also ensuring that those who truly need protection can receive it."
