Border Encounter Rate Remains High

The current administration of the US, since President Biden took office in late January 2021, has tried by all possible means to restructure certain immigration processes and remove restrictions and limitations on the immigration system in general. The main goal of these actions and the focus of the Biden administration is to promote the first comprehensive immigration reform in decades, which would definitely change the federal government’s approach to the immigration sector and foreign populations.

However, President Biden has not been able to move forward as quickly as he would like on the local immigration system because his administration has had to face a surge of illegal border crossings, which has delayed and even threatened his immigration plans. In fact, border apprehensions reported by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) have been extremely alarming mainly because, so far in fiscal year 2021 (October-September), the figures already exceed the total annual border apprehensions since 2006.

Therefore, one of the main roots of the controversy surrounding the current border situation has to do with the fact that a large part of the American population, including opposition groups and certain Republican members of Congress, states that the Biden administration fueled the surge of illegal border crossings and invited undocumented immigrants by removing the Trump administration’s restrictive policies.

Countering this premise, the Biden administration explains that massive irregular migration does not depend entirely on local policies, but is also related to precarious conditions in vulnerable territories, which force thousands of people to flee their countries of origin to protect their lives.

Let’s look at border apprehension numbers in recent months:

March

In March 2021, CBP reported the highest number of border encounters in 15 years, with a total of 173,337 undocumented immigrants apprehended. This figure includes unaccompanied immigrant minors, single adults and family units.

It is worth mentioning that the current social controversy is primarily related to unaccompanied immigrant minors and the way the Biden administration is handling and addressing the situation.

In fact, in March, CBP encountered nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors at the borders, an increase of 49.75% compared to February 2021.

April

In April 2021, CBP reported the highest number of border encounters in 20 years, with a total of 178,854 undocumented immigrants apprehended.

During this month, CBP encountered 17,148 unaccompanied minors at the borders, a slight reduction compared to March.

May

CBP recently released border apprehension figures for May 2021, which are quite high and there is still no significant decline despite the Biden administration trying to curb mass irregular migration at all costs.

According to official figures, CBP apprehended a total of 180,034 undocumented immigrants at the borders. Regarding minors, CBP encountered a total of 14,158 unaccompanied children, a reduction of 17.44%.

Important facts

It is imperative to explain that, under the border restriction related to the global Coronavirus pandemic known as Title 42, more than 112,000 undocumented immigrants were returned to Mexico or other countries almost immediately in May. Aside from that, CBP has also stated that many individuals apprehended at the borders are re-entry cases, meaning that they are undocumented adults trying to cross the borders over and over again despite being expelled.

Avoid risky situations and migrate safely

If you, a family member, or a friend need help with an immigration case, please contact Motion Law today to schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys. Our team will be happy to guide you through your immigration journey in the US.

Please contact Motion Law Immigration today at: (202) 918-1799.