Border Crossings Plunge to Decades Low as Migrant Flow Reverses

Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have significantly declined, reaching the lowest levels in decades, leading to nearly empty migrant shelters and a notable decrease in individuals attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico. Many people stranded in Mexico are now beginning to return to their home countries in larger numbers rather than making the journey northward.

Impact of Policy Changes

This drastic reversal in the situation at the border can be attributed to the stringent policies implemented by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. during the 2024 election campaign, as a response to mounting public discontent. The restrictions imposed on asylum seekers and the pressure applied to Mexico to curb the flow of migrants have all contributed to the significant reduction in illegal crossings, which now stand at the lowest levels observed during the Biden administration.

Furthermore, President Trump's aggressive measures to restrict migration have further exacerbated the decline in crossings, resulting in a decisive shift in U.S. immigration policy. These measures, however, have faced criticism from many quarters, particularly from those on the political left, who contend that such policies are not only inherently unpalatable but also legally questionable and ultimately ineffective, as they fail to directly address the fundamental causes of migration.