In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol allowed over 900,000 migrants who entered the country illegally to move into the interior of the United States, according to recently released Customs and Border Patrol data. The data underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining border security and ensuring lawful immigration.
A total of 908,669 migrants were apprehended while illegally crossing the border between official ports of entry, and they were issued notices to appear in court, often with dates scheduled years in the future. It’s important to note that these figures do not encompass migrants released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or those encountered by officials at official ports of entry.
The Biden administration has been emphasizing the necessity of additional funding to address issues within the immigration system and to expand legal pathways for migration. President Biden has called on Congress to allocate an additional $14 billion in funding for these purposes.
In a statement accompanying the funding request, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the urgency of strengthening resources for DHS to fulfill its mission of safeguarding the American people. Mayorkas urged Congress to provide the necessary resources and support.
“At this time of unprecedented hemispheric and global challenges, we must come together to strengthen our ability to protect the American people,” Mayorkas said. “I strongly urge Congress to give the men and women of DHS the resources and support they need to achieve our safety and security mission.”
The funding request encompasses support for border operations, covering processing procedures, assistance for states and communities where migrants are released, and the deployment of additional agents to enhance border security.
The situation at the border has triggered political debates, with Republicans advocating for increased border security measures, including wall construction, and stricter controls on asylum and parole releases. They attribute the current challenges to the Biden administration’s policies on migrant release.
Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, expressed concerns about the thorough vetting of migrants arrested between ports of entry.
According to officials, Border Patrol has arrested more than 47 individuals per day with serious criminal backgrounds, ranging from murder to assault.
Democrats, on the other hand, argue that Republicans are disseminating false claims that the border is open, which could spread misinformation affecting migration patterns.
With a Republican speaker nominated, those advocating for more robust government responses may see action.
Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed legislation aimed at bolstering border security and reforming asylum policies, including the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act in February 2023, which seeks to enhance the demonstration of migrants’ fear of persecution in their home countries.
