Recent data from U.S. authorities reveals a notable 30% decrease in United States-Mexico border arrests during the month of July, marking a new low for President Joe Biden's administration. The U.S. Border Patrol is projected to have made approximately 57,000 arrests in July, a substantial decline from the 83,536 arrests recorded in June, which was the previous low point of Biden's presidency. This figure represents the lowest monthly tally since September 2020, when global movement restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted border crossings.
Even before the Biden administration implemented measures to suspend asylum on June 5, border arrests had already halved from a peak of 250,000 in December, partly due to enhanced enforcement efforts by Mexico. Since the asylum suspension, arrests have decreased by another 50%, aiding the administration in countering criticisms from former President Donald Trump and other Republicans regarding border control.
The temporary asylum ban would be lifted if daily arrests fall below a seven-day average of 1,500, a threshold that Customs and Border Protection officials are currently monitoring as daily arrests hover around 1,600 to 1,700. Conversely, if arrests reach a seven-day daily average of 2,500, the asylum halt would be reinstated under the classification of 'emergency border circumstances.' Immigrant advocacy groups have contested these asylum restrictions in court.
During the asylum suspension, individuals crossing the border illegally are denied the opportunity to seek asylum, with exceptions made for unaccompanied children. Other migrants may pursue alternative forms of protection with stricter criteria and fewer benefits, such as the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
San Diego emerged as the primary corridor for illegal crossings in July, followed by Tucson, Arizona. Notably, nationalities that are easier to deport, including Mexicans, have shown the most significant declines in border apprehensions. Additionally, travel restrictions in various countries, such as Ecuador's new visa requirements impacting Chinese migration, have contributed to reduced border crossings.
Overall, the Department of Homeland Security reported a 55% decrease in arrests since the implementation of asylum restrictions. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to manage border security and immigration challenges.
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