Following the release of new monthly statistics by US Customs and Border Protection, it has been reported that the number of people entering the US illegally has significantly decreased. Encounters at ports of entry have fallen by 25% since the White House announced controversial asylum restrictions earlier this month.
This development comes as a positive sign for President Joe Biden, whose executive action on June 4 aimed to address the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border. According to CBP, encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border dropped to 117,900 recorded encounters in May, a 9% decrease from April. CBP Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller emphasized the agency’s continued efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations at the border.
However, Miller also highlighted the challenges faced by the immigration system due to the current situation. The Biden administration’s decision to shut off access to asylum for migrants crossing the border illegally has been seen as a significant move towards addressing the issue. This action followed an unsuccessful attempt by US lawmakers earlier this year to reach a bipartisan agreement on asylum laws and funding for vetting migrants seeking asylum in the US.
