Southwest Border Encounters Drop 40%

President Biden’s new policies have resulted in a significant 40% reduction in encounters at the Southwest border over the past three weeks. These measures aim to control illegal crossings and enhance public safety, though experts emphasize the need for comprehensive immigration reform to sustain these improvements.

Enhanced Border Security Measures

Presidential Proclamation and DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule

The Presidential Proclamation, alongside the DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule (IFR), temporarily suspends the entry of certain noncitizens across the Southern border.

The IFR also limits asylum eligibility for those crossing unlawfully during times of high encounters. As a result, Border Patrol’s 7-day encounter average has decreased to under 2,400 per day.

Major Impacts:

• Reduction in Encounters: Encounters have dropped by over 40%.
• Expedited Removal: Increase in noncitizens processed through expedited removal.

Statistics

Congressional Action Needed

Despite the positive outcomes, these measures alone cannot replace the need for Congressional action. Twice, Congress has failed to pass a bipartisan border security agreement, which would have provided essential personnel and funding to further secure the Southern border. This agreement proposed:

• Adding 1,500 CBP agents and officers.
• Increasing ICE personnel by 1,200.
• Investing in technology to intercept illegal substances like fentanyl.
• Reforming the asylum system.

Enhanced Enforcement and Consequences

Noncitizens who are ineligible for asylum under the new rule and fail to establish a legal basis to stay in the U.S. are promptly removed. These individuals face a five-year bar on reentry and potential criminal prosecution. DHS has implemented the Proclamation and IFR quickly, leading to:

• Doubling the percentage of noncitizens removed directly from Border Patrol custody.
• Increasing the share of encounters processed through expedited removal.

Public Safety Improvements

The new rules have bolstered DHS’s ability to enforce laws against individuals posing public safety or national security threats. Enhanced measures include:

• Returning more Border Patrol agents to frontline operations.
• Applying statutory bars to asylum for individuals posing public safety concerns during credible fear screenings.

Expanded International Cooperation

DHS has increased its international cooperation to facilitate removals and enhance enforcement. Over the past year, the agency has conducted removal flights to various countries, including Colombia, Egypt, and India. These efforts are supported by diplomatic agreements expanding the number of countries accepting repatriation flights.

• Diplomatic Agreements: Enhanced cooperation with international partners.
• Increased Flights: Record numbers of repatriation flights scheduled.

Building on Recent Actions

The Administration has made significant strides in expanding lawful pathways and orderly processes. The CHNV processes, for instance, have allowed over 462,100 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. lawfully. Additionally, the Safe Mobility initiative has facilitated the arrival of over 10,000 refugees through international centers.

Recent Initiatives:

• CHNV Processes: Enabling lawful entry for eligible nationals.
• Safe Mobility Initiative: Establishing centers for screening and information on lawful pathways.

To Summarize

President Biden’s proclamation and the joint DHS-DOJ rule have already shown promising results, reducing encounters at the Southwest border significantly.

However, sustained success hinges on comprehensive immigration reform and additional Congressional action to provide the necessary resources and personnel.

The Administration’s ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to maintaining border security while ensuring fair and lawful immigration processes.

Sources: THX News & US Department of Homeland Security.