The increase in migrant arrivals at the US-Mexico border during President Joe Biden’s administration has become a significant political issue and has garnered widespread disapproval from the American public. The surge in arrivals has also attracted criticism from both conservative lawmakers and Democratic mayors in cities struggling to cope with the influx. Under Biden’s administration, over 6.3 million migrants have been detained crossing into the US illegally, surpassing the numbers seen under previous administrations. Experts have identified a range of complex reasons contributing to this spike in border crossings.
The rise in numbers began towards the end of the Trump administration and was driven largely by Central Americans fleeing crises such as gang violence, poverty, political repression, and natural disasters. However, the pandemic-led restrictions imposed in early 2020 resulted in a drastic reduction in crossings. As these measures were lifted in early 2021, migrant numbers steadily rose again, reaching a record high in December 2023. The increase in flows also saw a diversification of migrants’ origins, with individuals now coming from regions as far afield as West Africa, India, the Middle East, and China.
Notably, the surge in US-Mexico border crossings aligns with a global trend of heightened migration to wealthy nations. Statistics from the OECD indicate a 26% increase in permanent migrants moving to its member states in 2022, compared to 2021. Meanwhile, the US has witnessed a doubling in the number of people granted asylum in 2022, mainly driven by migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, solidifying its position as the second-largest recipient of humanitarian migration after Germany.
The change in tone and policy brought about by the Biden administration is also cited as a contributing factor to the surge in border crossings. While President Trump’s rhetoric emphasized building a border wall and increasing deportations, Biden’s approach focused on a more humane and welcoming stance. Deportations decreased, and policies aimed at deterring migrants, such as rapid removal to Mexico and the border wall, were abandoned. Migrants were paroled into the US, awaiting immigration court dates that often take years to materialize. This shift in policy, combined with the headlines surrounding family separations under Trump, created a sense of urgency among migrants that entry into the US would be easier under Biden.
However, critics from various perspectives have emerged. Some immigration activists argue that the Biden administration, alongside lawmakers from both parties, has failed to pass meaningful immigration reform. The last significant overhaul of the system occurred over 30 years ago under President Ronald Reagan. This lack of reform has left many Afghans and other migrants stranded at the border, unable to reach their intended destinations.
The situation at the US-Mexico border highlights the complexities of global displacement and the need for comprehensive immigration policies. Addressing the root causes of migration and implementing effective border control measures will require international cooperation and a multifaceted approach.
