The latest report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that illegal crossings have remained low and flat through September, with nearly 1.4 million migrants entering the country lawfully under Biden-Harris administration programs. The report, which covers fiscal year 2024, highlights a significant decrease in southwest border encounters, attributed to increased enforcement efforts by CBP.
CBP officials emphasized their actions against transnational criminal organizations profiting from human exploitation and drug smuggling. President Biden's proclamation on border security in June 2024 led to a more than 55% decrease in unlawful border crossings, with over 160,000 individuals removed or returned by the Department of Homeland Security.
During the same period, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted over 495 international repatriation flights. A government mobile app for asylum seekers at the southern border facilitated over 852,000 appointments at ports of entry, with top nationalities being Venezuelan, Cuban, Mexican, and Haitian.
The report also details the lawful entry of over 531,000 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela under a parole program initiated in 2022. Migrants granted parole through the app can stay for two years with a work permit, subject to background checks and sponsorship.
Despite opposition from Republicans, the Biden-Harris administration defended the program as part of expanding lawful pathways to address the border crisis. The administration's efforts have led to a significant drop in unlawful border crossings, with encounters at ports of entry lower than in previous years.
White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández highlighted the administration's success in securing the border and criticized Republican opposition to bipartisan border security agreements. The administration's data shows a positive trend in border security, with a focus on effective action to address the challenges at the border.
