Since President Trump’s return to office, illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have dropped drastically, with encounters falling from over 130,000 to around 8,300 in February. Trump’s executive actions, including suspending the asylum system and ramping up deportations, are credited for this decline. However, there are increasing concerns about the treatment of legal immigrants under these policies, sparking legal and ethical debates.
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has implemented a series of executive actions aimed at reducing illegal immigration. According to the US Department of Defense, encounters with border patrol decreased significantly from more than 130,000 in February of the previous year to approximately 8,300 this February, marking a nearly 94 percent decline.
Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks attributes this substantial drop to Trump’s immigration policies, which focus on bolstering border security. Key measures include the suspension of the US asylum system, increased deportation efforts, and the deployment of more troops to the southern border. Furthermore, an agreement with Mexico has led to the mobilization of Mexican soldiers to guard the border fence, a move tied to delaying potential tariffs on Mexican imports.
The administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration serves as a strong deterrent for those contemplating crossing the border unlawfully. Recently, high-profile deportation cases have drawn significant media attention, including the deportation of over 250 alleged Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act, which allows the president to detain and deport citizens of enemy nations during wartime.
Opposition to Trump’s methods has emerged, particularly from civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, which has labeled the administration’s actions as unlawful. Lee Gelernt, a lawyer for the ACLU, commented on the potential dangers of utilizing wartime authority in domestic circumstances, emphasizing the need to protect legal standards in deportation processes.
Despite legal challenges surrounding Trump’s immigration policies, experts note their efficacy in reducing illegal crossings. Tony Payan from the Baker Institute highlighted the success of the current strategies, while also acknowledging that previous policies from the Biden administration played a role in the decreasing numbers. He stated that Trump’s intimidating approach further contributed to the decline.
Concerns about the implications of stringent immigration policies are rising, particularly regarding individuals legally residing in the US. Reports indicate that even lawful immigrants may face detainment. The State Department has cautioned that visa holders will be closely monitored to comply with US laws, and the Trump administration plans to revoke temporary legal status for over half a million migrants from several countries next month.
In summary, President Trump’s immigration policies have resulted in a significant decrease in illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border. While enforcement has intensified through executive actions and cooperation with Mexico, concerns remain about the impact on lawful immigrants and the legal aspects of these measures. Despite challenges, analysts observe an effective strategy in curbing illegal entries, though the debate continues regarding the ethical implications of such an approach.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
