Illegal Border Crossings Drop As New Biden Immigration Policy Takes Effect

 In a significant development, the number of migrants apprehended while illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border witnessed a notable decline on Friday, signaling a potential impact of the Biden administration’s new immigration policy aimed at curbing unauthorized entries.According to a senior U.S. border official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, approximately 3,100 individuals were arrested for illegal crossings, marking a roughly 20% decrease compared to previous days. While cautioning against drawing definitive conclusions from early data, the official noted that the decline could indicate some initial success in deterring illegal crossings.Immigration has emerged as a pivotal issue ahead of the November 5 elections, with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, set to face off once again.President Biden, who assumed office in 2021 with a commitment to reversing many of Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, recently implemented a new policy barring most migrants who illegally cross the border from seeking asylum. The policy, which came into effect on Wednesday, includes exceptions for unaccompanied minors, individuals facing serious threats to safety or health, and victims of trafficking.Under the new policy, there has been a notable increase in the number of migrants placed in expedited removal, a fast-track deportation process, with over 2,000 individuals per day being subjected to this procedure since its implementation, according to the U.S. official.However, uncertainties persist regarding the sustainability of reduced border crossings and the capacity of U.S. authorities to manage the influx of migrants efficiently. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has voiced opposition to the new policy, likening it to asylum restrictions implemented during the Trump era, and has pledged legal action to challenge its implementation.As the Biden administration seeks to strike a balance between immigration enforcement and humanitarian considerations, the evolving situation at the U.S.-Mexico border underscores the complex challenges and policy dilemmas inherent in managing migration flows.