In an unexpected shift, the US-Mexico border experienced a surprising calm following the termination of Title 42. Reports from the U.S. Border Patrol depict a sharp decline, illustrating a 50% reduction in migrant encounters compared to the days before the policy’s termination.
Title 42, initiated by the Trump administration in March 2020, harnessed public health concerns related to Covid-19 to return asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border promptly. Transitioning to the Biden administration, new asylum rules now mandate migrants to apply online (via the mobile phone application, CBP One) or seek protection in transit countries before reaching the U.S. border. Also, 100 regional migration hubs are being established, and a five-year ban and potential criminal prosecution are imposed on those crossing illegally.
This relative calm contradicts the concerns expressed by some conservatives, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who criticized the Biden administration for allegedly promoting global migration and subsequently deployed specially trained troops to the border.
Following the end of Title 42, Blas Nuñez-Neto, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, noted, “We continue to encounter high levels of non-citizens at the border, but we did not see a substantial increase overnight or an influx (of migrants) at midnight.” This statement counters the expectations of many politicians and media outlets.
Despite fewer migrant arrivals than anticipated in cities like McAllen, Texas, officials emphasize preparedness for potential future surges. The expansion of shelter capacity in McAllen demonstrates these preparation efforts. The effectiveness and implications of the Biden administration’s new policies will become more apparent in the forthcoming weeks.
Sources:
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