On US-Mexico Bridge, Two Sides of Biden Border Crackdown

A group of migrants walked into Mexico on Saturday against pedestrian traffic on the international bridge between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez minutes after being deported from the United States under the Biden administration’s new asylum ban. The mainly twenty-something Venezuelan men were ejected under the June 5 proclamation, which fast-tracks deportations of most people crossing the border illegally. This scene, showing both the pitfalls and promises of President Joe Biden’s new approach, occurred as the deportees, who crossed the border only days earlier in deadly triple-digit heat, passed another group of migrants with wheelie suitcases standing in line. These migrants were awaiting interviews through CBP One, a mobile phone app promoted by the administration that provides a way to lawfully approach the port of entry.

Biden’s new border policy has been met with mixed reactions. A deportee named Josuan, wearing a silver cross necklace, expressed his intent to cross again despite the risks and the five-year ban on entering the United States. This new policy marks a significant shift in the Biden administration’s approach to immigration, responding to the growing pressures from both sides of the political spectrum and aiming to balance border security with humanitarian considerations.

Biden’s stance on border security has toughened, especially with the upcoming Nov. 5 elections where he faces his predecessor, former Republican President Donald Trump, who promises a wide-ranging immigration crackdown if reelected. While Biden announced a legalization program for immigrants in the country illegally who are married to U.S. citizens, meant to back his campaign message of a more humane immigration system, the restrictive asylum policy has led to a decrease in border crossings but not without significant consequences.

According to a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection official, apprehensions fell just below 2,500 on Sunday, the lowest daily figure since February 2021. However, detentions still outpaced the 1,450 CBP One appointments available daily at eight border crossings. The restrictive policies have resulted in an increased number of people seeking refuge in shelters like Buen Samaritano in Ciudad Juarez. Juan Fierro Garcia, the shelter’s director, noted a nearly 40% increase in people seeking a place to stay since Biden’s order, which mirrors a Trump-era asylum ban.

Critics argue that Biden’s policy fails to address the root causes of migration and exacerbates the risks migrants face. Honduran Fidelina Bardales, who has been waiting for a CBP One appointment for a month and a half, started her journey to claim asylum after her son was killed for being gay and his killers threatened her family. The restrictive policies and long waiting periods force migrants into perilous situations, including extreme weather and potential violence from criminal groups.

Addressing the core issues of migration requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond restrictive border policies. Firstly, there should be an increase in the capacity and efficiency of legal migration pathways like CBP One. This would involve expanding the number of appointments available and improving the technology and infrastructure supporting the system. Additionally, more resources should be allocated to border processing centers to ensure humane and swift processing of asylum claims.

Secondly, U.S. foreign policy must prioritize addressing the root causes of migration in countries of origin. This includes supporting economic development, combating violence and corruption, and improving human rights conditions. Collaborative efforts with international organizations and the governments of migrants’ home countries can create safer and more stable environments, reducing the need for people to flee.

Lastly, there should be an emphasis on regional cooperation. The U.S. should work closely with Mexico and other neighboring countries to create a coordinated response to migration. This can include shared responsibilities for processing asylum claims and providing humanitarian assistance, as well as joint efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks.

The issue of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border has been a longstanding and contentious one. Historically, the U.S. has experienced waves of migration driven by various factors, including economic hardship, violence, and political instability in Latin American countries. Over the years, U.S. immigration policies have fluctuated between more open approaches and stringent crackdowns, often reflecting the political climate and public sentiment.

Under former President Donald Trump, immigration policies became notably more restrictive, with measures such as the “Remain in Mexico” policy and efforts to build a border wall. These policies aimed to deter illegal immigration but were criticized for their humanitarian impact. President Joe Biden campaigned on promises to create a more humane immigration system, yet his administration has faced challenges in balancing border security with these humanitarian commitments.

The current situation at the U.S.-Mexico border highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing migration effectively and humanely. As global temperatures rise and political instability persists in many regions, migration pressures are likely to continue. The Biden administration’s policies, while aimed at reducing illegal crossings, must evolve to address the underlying causes of migration and ensure the safety and dignity of those seeking refuge.

Implementing more efficient legal pathways, addressing root causes in migrants’ home countries, and fostering regional cooperation are essential steps toward a more comprehensive and humane immigration system. The U.S. has a responsibility to lead by example, promoting policies that uphold human rights and offer protection to those fleeing violence and persecution. By doing so, it can contribute to a more stable and just global community.

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