Illegal immigration: the decline continues

Nearly two months after Title 42 was lifted, the number of immigrants crossing the US southern border has not only dropped sharply, but also remains relatively low, according to DHS data released Monday. The New York Times. The situation is good news for the Biden administration, but there is no guarantee that it will last.

What is this data? Since May 12, the average number of illegal crossings per day has been about 3,360. In March 2022, that average was about 7,100. “Title 42,” the device put in place by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, has allowed borders to deport immigrants who They cross the border into Mexico more quickly and easily.

Most observers expected the lifting of the measure to lead to a massive influx of migrants at the southern border. Republicans have even spoken of an “invasion” (a word many of them, including Ron DeSantis, continue to use). But according to timesThis scenario did not happen for several reasons, including the introduction of new restrictive measures at the southern border combined with new avenues for seeking asylum.

In central and northern Mexico, migrants can access a government app on a smartphone, allowing them to request an appointment at an official point of entry at the US border, explains the New York Daily. Although the app had some technical issues, nearly than 30,000 people used it to book appointments in the month of May alone, according to recent government data.

In addition, immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela can apply to live and work in the United States for two years under a special humanitarian amnesty. In April, the Biden administration announced that immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras could benefit from the family reunification program. »

Progressive groups and elected governors are challenging one or more of these platforms in court. The results of these disputes may have consequences for the number of migrants on the southern borders in the fairly near future, not to mention the political and economic situation in the countries of Central America. Meanwhile, the Southern Frontier is much quieter than might have been thought less than two months ago.

(AFP photo)