U.S. Border Crossings Drop Amid Biden Policies \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ U.S. border crossings in December showed a slight increase but remain near their lowest levels since mid-2020, with January data signaling further declines. CBP reports highlight a 60% drop in crossings since mid-2024, following a Biden administration proclamation limiting asylum processing. Despite this, South Texas crossings saw a regional spike in December.
U.S. Border Crossings and Trends: Quick Looks
- Latest Border Data: December 2024 saw 47,300 illegal crossings, slightly higher than November’s 46,612 but near historic lows.
- January Decline: Early January reports indicate a 45% drop in crossings compared to December.
- South Texas Spike: Crossings in the Rio Grande Valley region doubled in December, reaching over 10,000 arrests.
- CBP One App Usage: Nearly 936,500 people have used the app since January 2023 to seek asylum appointments.
- Biden Administration Proclamation: A June 2024 rule suspending asylum processing when resources are overwhelmed has led to a 60% drop in crossings.
- Trump’s CBP One Plan: President-elect Trump plans to end the CBP One app, though it remains operational for now.
Deep Look
The U.S.-Mexico border has long been a focal point of policy debate, and recent data suggests a significant shift in migration patterns under President Biden’s administration. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports indicate a continued decline in illegal border crossings, with December 2024 figures near historic lows. However, localized surges and evolving policies signal that challenges remain as the administration nears the end of its term.
December Data: A Continued Downward Trend
In December 2024, CBP recorded 47,300 illegal border crossings, a slight increase from November’s 46,612 but approaching the lowest levels since July 2020. Early January 2025 figures suggest further progress, with crossings down by 45% compared to December.
The December data reflects a sharp contrast to the peak seen in December 2023, when nearly 250,000 crossings marked the highest levels during the Biden presidency. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attributed this downward trend to targeted policy measures, including a June 2024 proclamation allowing temporary suspension of asylum processing when resources are overwhelmed.
“This is a consistent trend we have seen since the president’s proclamation went into effect,” Mayorkas stated during a virtual press briefing.
Regional Challenges: South Texas Sees Spike
Despite the overall decline, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas saw a notable increase in activity, with arrests doubling from 5,000 in November to over 10,000 in December. This regional spike occurred despite Republican-led border security initiatives like Operation Lonestar, which aimed to curb illegal crossings through increased patrols and resource deployment.
The Rio Grande Valley remains one of the busiest crossing points, highlighting the ongoing complexities of border management. Factors such as geographic accessibility and well-established smuggling routes contribute to persistent challenges in the region.
CBP One App: A Tool for Asylum Seekers
The CBP One app, introduced in January 2023, has emerged as a central component of the Biden administration’s strategy to manage asylum claims. The app allows migrants to schedule appointments for asylum processing at designated ports of entry, with 1,450 slots available daily. Since its launch, nearly 936,500 migrants have used the app to seek legal entry.
However, the number of migrants processed through the app in December fell short of the total arrests, reflecting a broader demand for entry into the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end the CBP One program, arguing that it incentivizes migration. Nonetheless, CBP officials confirmed that appointments remain available for now.
Policy Impacts: Biden’s June 2024 Proclamation
The Biden administration’s June 2024 proclamation represents a significant shift in border policy. The rule enables U.S. officials to temporarily suspend asylum processing during periods of operational strain, effectively discouraging unauthorized crossings.
Mayorkas reported a 60% drop in encounters along the southwest border since the proclamation’s implementation. “This policy has allowed us to manage resources more effectively while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system,” he said.
Critics, however, argue that the measure limits access to asylum for vulnerable populations, raising concerns about compliance with international humanitarian standards.
Comparing Highs and Lows: Biden’s Border Legacy
Under the Biden administration, border crossings peaked in late 2023 before declining steadily throughout 2024. The December 2024 figure of 47,300 represents a dramatic reduction compared to the nearly 250,000 crossings recorded a year earlier.
Key factors contributing to this decline include enhanced border enforcement, partnerships with regional governments, and targeted policy measures such as the CBP One app and the asylum suspension proclamation.
Looking Ahead: Trump’s Border Policy Plans
With President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office, the future of U.S. border policy remains uncertain. Trump has announced plans to dismantle key components of Biden’s approach, including the CBP One app, while advocating for stricter enforcement measures and expanded border wall construction.
Analysts predict that Trump’s policy shifts could lead to an initial increase in crossings as migrants attempt to enter the U.S. before stricter measures take effect. Additionally, the rollback of programs like CBP One may exacerbate bottlenecks at ports of entry.
Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities
While recent data reflects progress in managing migration, several challenges persist:
- Regional Surges: Areas like the Rio Grande Valley continue to experience spikes in activity, requiring targeted interventions.
- Policy Adjustments: Balancing security with humanitarian obligations remains a delicate task as administrations change.
- Infrastructure Needs: Investments in technology and personnel are critical to sustaining improvements and addressing localized challenges.
The Biden administration’s policies have contributed to a marked decline in crossings, but the evolving dynamics at the border underscore the complexity of the issue.
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