The Impact of Biden’s Administration on Unauthorized Migrants Crossing into the U.S.
Under the Biden administration, the number of unauthorized migrants crossing into the U.S. has significantly increased, sparking concerns and political debates.
Increased Migration Since President Biden’s Inauguration
Since President Biden took office, the number of unauthorized migrants crossing into the U.S. has increased dramatically. According to recent estimates, approximately 7.5 million unauthorized individuals have entered the country during his tenure. This influx does not account for those who manage to evade detection and remain hidden. The surge can be attributed to a lack of efforts to control the border, fueled by policies and communications during the administration's early years.
Specifically, high-profile figures like Attorney General Merrick Garland and Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Central America and expressed open invitations to the region’s inhabitants to seek refuge in the U.S. These actions were perceived as encouraging migration and were met with protests in some areas of origin.
Drivers of the Migration Increase
The sharp rise in unauthorized immigration can be linked to several factors:
Pent-Up Demand After the Pandemic
One key driver is the pent-up demand for migration that developed following the global pandemic. Many migrants felt their window of opportunity had opened, leading to a surge in border crossings.
Global Migration Patterns
Internationally, migration from poorer to richer countries has reached an all-time high. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that 6.1 million new permanent migrants moved to 38 countries in 2022, marking a 26% increase from 2021 and a 14% increase from 2019. This trend reflects economic and social disparities between regions.
Switch from Trump to Biden
The transition from the Trump administration to Biden's has had a significant impact. Trump’s family separation policy aimed to deter illegal immigration, but it was heavily criticized. Biden’s decision to end this policy contributed to a resurgence of unauthorized immigration.
Some politicians and commentators have suggested that the increase is a deliberate strategy to sow discord and divide the American electorate. This narrative is fueled by the promotion of the idea that Biden's actions are causing an "invasion," with some taking it to absurd extremes, such as suggesting a direct link to illegal elections in the future.
Criticisms and Analysis
While opponents have harshly criticized President Biden's immigration policies, others argue that the situation is more complex. For instance, during the Trump administration, similar numbers of unauthorized migrants entered the country, but those numbers were often underreported due to harsh enforcement measures that led to the jailing of adults and the separation of families.
The Whitewashed Reality
Some critics claim that the situation under Biden is a form of political manipulation. They argue that the administration’s tactics, such as opening the border and inviting migrants, are akin to a hidden ballot box for the Democrats. This framing suggests that unauthorized migrants are being encouraged to vote illegally, a claim that remains unsubstantiated but raises legitimate concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Furthermore, the allegation that Republicans are "hiding under their desks" highlights the political fallout and the lack of bipartisan action on immigration reform.
These concerns about unauthorized immigration extend beyond the political discourse. They raise complex ethical, legal, and humanitarian questions that impact the lives of countless individuals and the stability of communities on both sides of the border.