Biden Faces Border Crisis as Migrant Arrivals Hit Record Highs
President Joe Biden is grappling with a significant challenge as the number of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border has reached unprecedented levels during his administration. This surge has become a major headache for Biden, especially as polls indicate that a large majority of Americans disapprove of his handling of the issue.
Even his potential opponent in the upcoming presidential election, Donald Trump, has criticized bipartisan efforts to address the problem, claiming they lack toughness. However, it’s not just Republicans expressing dissatisfaction; Democratic mayors in cities overwhelmed by the influx are also voicing concerns.
The spike in migrant arrivals is attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is pent-up demand following pandemic-related lockdowns. The number of migrants started rising towards the end of the Trump administration, primarily driven by Central Americans fleeing various crises.
While pandemic restrictions briefly halted this trend, lifting these measures in early 2021 led to a steady increase in arrivals, including from regions outside the Americas such as West Africa, India, and the Middle East.
Secondly, the global migration trend plays a role, with migration to wealthy countries like the US reaching record levels. The US saw a doubling of asylum grants in 2022, largely driven by migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s change in tone and policies, including a decrease in deportations and a shift away from deterrent-focused measures, has also influenced migration patterns. Migrants perceive entering and staying in the US as easier under Biden, leading to a sense of urgency among them.
Despite these challenges, meaningful immigration reform remains elusive. The lack of bipartisan consensus and Republican opposition have stalled efforts to pass comprehensive immigration legislation. The Biden administration and lawmakers from both parties are under scrutiny for their failure to address the long-standing issue of immigration reform, leaving the system outdated and in need of overhaul.
This simplified explanation draws from reporting by the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68208637