Record 7.2 Million Migrants Illegally Crossed into the U.S. Over Southwest Border During Biden's Administration

Biden Administration Faces Record Number of Immigration Crossings

Since President Joe Biden took office on January 20, 2021, the United States has faced a historic influx of migrants attempting to cross the Southwest border. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statistics, over 7.2 million migrants attempted to cross the border illegally during Biden's tenure, a stark contrast to the approximately 2.4 million border encounters during the Trump administration.

The Magnitude of the Immigration Influx

The number of 7.2 million illegal border encounters under the Biden administration is higher than the individual populations of 36 U.S. states, according to data provided by WorldPopulationReview.com. This overwhelming influx has created significant challenges for border security and immigration enforcement agencies.

Comparison Between Trump and Biden Administrations

A Cato Institute publication suggested that data from the Trump era indicated a similar trend in the handling of border crossers as that seen under the Biden administration. However, statistics from CBP, DHS, and the U.S. House of Representatives painted a different picture. The comparison revealed that during Trump's administration, 47.4% of immigrants encountered at the Southwest border were expelled or repatriated, while under Biden, this figure increased to 50.9%.

Additionally, the estimated apprehension rate for immigrants attempting to cross the border averaged 80.9% during fiscal year 2021 under Biden, compared to an average of 78% between fiscal years 2017 and 2020. These figures shed light on the differences in immigration enforcement strategies between the two administrations.

Confronting "Gotaways" at the Border

Records from the DHS indicated that from fiscal years 2021 through 2023, over 1.5 million "gotaways" were identified by Border Patrol for the Southwest border, in addition to the 7.2 million-plus encounters recorded by officials. This term refers to individuals who successfully made an illegal entry into the U.S. without being detected or apprehended by authorities.

The Impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

The handling of border security and immigration issues under the Biden administration led to the impeachment of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The impeachment was approved by one vote and signaled growing discontent with the administration's approach to border management. Despite the impeachment, the possibility of the Senate taking action on the matter remains uncertain.

Public Opinion on Immigration and Border Security

As the U.S. heads towards the 2024 election, public sentiment regarding immigration and border security has undergone a shift. A PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll revealed a decline in support for openness to others, with 41% of respondents believing that the Republican Party is better equipped to handle immigration, compared to 29% who expressed confidence in the Democrats. These findings reflect the evolving attitudes of American voters towards immigration policies.

Conclusion

The unprecedented influx of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. Southwest border under the Biden administration has raised significant concerns regarding border security and immigration enforcement. The handling of this issue has become a focal point in the political landscape as the administration faces scrutiny and attempts to navigate the complex challenges posed by the surge in immigration. The situation demands careful consideration and decisive action to address the underlying causes while upholding the principles of border security and immigration policy. The impact of these developments is likely to reverberate in the political discourse leading up to the 2024 election and beyond.