According to the Homeland Security Department, arrests for illegal border crossings have decreased by more than 40% since asylum processing was suspended three weeks ago.
This announcement comes just ahead of a crucial debate between President Joe Biden and former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, which is expected to be a pivotal moment in the election campaign.
President Biden has been criticized for his immigration policies, with Trump consistently attacking him on border security issues, portraying the border as chaotic and migrants as threats to national security and the economy.
Despite facing criticism, President Biden has implemented restrictions on new arrivals at the border while also introducing new immigration pathways. For instance, he announced a program aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented spouses of American citizens who have been in the country for a decade or more.
The recent data released by the Department of Homeland Security shows that Border Patrol’s daily arrests have dropped below 2,400 on average over a seven-day period, a decrease of over 40% since President Biden’s proclamation on June 5. This marks the lowest number since January 17, 2021.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas visited the Tucson, Arizona sector, which has been a busy corridor for illegal crossings. He stated that the new asylum restrictions have been successful in deterring border crossings.
Under the current asylum suspension, individuals who express fear or an intention to seek asylum are screened by a U.S. asylum officer at a higher standard. If they pass the screening, they can pursue limited forms of humanitarian protection, such as the U.N. Convention Against Torture.
Immigration advocates have taken legal action to challenge these restrictions.
Related story: Biden announces immigration relief for undocumented spouses of US citizens
