President Biden’s Asylum Policies Reduce Migrant Flow in the U.S.

By Ozlem Kara, Content Editor at CK Law Firm

According to official government data, President Biden’s decision to restrict asylum claims at the southern border has led to a significant decrease in the number of migrants released into the interior of the United States. This policy was implemented as part of measures aimed at reducing illegal border crossings in the U.S.

Impact of the New Immigration Policies

In June, President Biden made substantial changes to the immigration system by issuing several executive orders that restricted the right of most migrants to seek asylum in the U.S. These steps resulted in a noticeable decline in the number of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. In July, the number of migrants apprehended outside official entry points at the southern border dropped to 56,400, the lowest level in nearly four years. Experts attribute this decrease to the hot summer months and Mexico’s crackdown on migrants heading north.

Decrease in Migrant Releases

One of the most notable outcomes of these new policies has been the significant reduction in the number of migrants released by the U.S. Border Patrol. In July, the Border Patrol released far fewer migrants with court notices compared to previous months. For example, in May, this number was 62,000, but it dropped to 12,000 in July.

These strict measures have also increased the rate at which migrants are subjected to expedited removal procedures. In July, 50% of apprehended migrants underwent these procedures, marking a significant increase from previous months.

Restricted Access to Asylum Rights

Under U.S. law, asylum is offered to provide legal protection to foreign nationals fleeing persecution for specific reasons. However, changes in President Biden’s asylum policies have severely restricted migrants’ access to this right. Since June, there has been a substantial decrease in the number of migrants screened by asylum officers. Additionally, new rules have made it more difficult for migrants to express their fear of harm, increasing the risk of asylum claims being denied.

Future Outlook

The Biden administration anticipates that if these policies continue to be enforced, the decline in illegal border crossings will persist. However, there is a risk that these policies could be overturned in federal courts. Immigrant rights advocates, in particular, argue that Biden’s policies have negative consequences for migrants.

For more details, visit the CBS News website.

At CK Law Firm, we closely monitor current developments in U.S. immigration law and continue to provide our clients with the most accurate information. Contact us for more information on asylum claims and other immigration processes.