President Joe Biden's recent executive action has led to a sharp decline in the number of migrants crossing the southern border and a substantial reduction in those being released into the U.S. or screened for asylum. The administration's move, which partially suspends asylum processing, marks one of the most restrictive immigration policies implemented by a Democratic president in recent history.
In June, citing the unprecedented surge in illegal border crossings, Biden invoked his executive authority to disqualify most migrants from seeking asylum in the United States. This decision has facilitated the expedited removal of migrants who enter the country illegally, resulting in a dramatic drop in unauthorized entries. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, the number of migrants apprehended at the southern border plummeted to 56,400 in July, the lowest figure in nearly four years.
The reduction in border crossings has been attributed not only to Biden's policy changes but also to seasonal factors, such as rising summer temperatures, and increased enforcement efforts by Mexican authorities to curb the flow of migrants heading north. However, the most significant impact has come from the administration's crackdown on asylum access, which has fundamentally altered how migrants are processed at the U.S.-Mexico border.
One of the most notable changes has been the steep decline in the number of migrants being released into the U.S. interior. In July, only 12,000 migrants were released with notices to appear in immigration court, a significant drop from the 62,000 released in May, before Biden's asylum restrictions took effect. This reduction reflects a broader strategy to discourage migrants from attempting to cross the border by making it clear that few will be allowed to remain in the country.
Concurrently, the number of migrants placed in "expedited removal" proceedings-where individuals can be quickly deported without a full hearing-has surged. In July, nearly 50% of the migrants apprehended were processed under expedited removal, compared to just 25% in May. This increase highlights the administration's commitment to swiftly deport those who do not qualify for asylum.
Since the implementation of Biden's asylum restrictions, more than 100,000 migrants have been deported or returned to Mexico or their home countries, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These figures underscore the administration's focus on reducing the number of migrants who remain in the U.S. while awaiting the outcome of their asylum claims, a process that can take years due to the backlog in immigration courts.
Under U.S. and international law, asylum is intended to protect individuals fleeing persecution based on specific grounds, such as political views or religious beliefs. However, the new rules enacted by Biden's administration have significantly limited access to asylum, particularly for those who do not meet these criteria. Additionally, immigration officials are no longer required to ask migrants if they fear persecution before deporting them, a practice that had been standard before the new rules were put in place. As a result, the percentage of migrants expressing fear of persecution during expedited removal proceedings has dropped to 24%, down from 55% before the changes.
The impact of these policy shifts has been profound. CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller noted that the border security measures implemented by the Biden administration have enhanced the government's ability to impose consequences for illegal entry, leading to the lowest number of encounters at the southern border in more than three years. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations and disrupt the fentanyl supply chain, which has been a growing concern for U.S. authorities.
Despite these successes, the broader debate over U.S. immigration policy remains contentious. Efforts to pass comprehensive border security legislation have stalled in Congress, with bipartisan bills being voted down amid political infighting. Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of Biden's immigration policies, has used the issue to rally his base, accusing Democrats of failing to secure the border.
President Biden, for his part, has blamed Republicans for obstructing efforts to address the border crisis. He has accused Trump of using the issue for political gain rather than seeking a solution. In a speech earlier this summer, Biden expressed frustration with the lack of progress, stating, "It was a cynical and extremely cynical political move and a complete disservice to the American people."
