How Biden’s Immigration Policies and Rhetoric Attract More Migrants to Cross from Mexico to the US

 

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The US-Mexico border has seen a surge in migrants in recent months, reaching the highest levels in over two decades. In December 2021 alone, border agents encountered more than 173,000 migrants — a 64% increase from the same month the previous year. Most migrants originate from Central America, fleeing pervasive poverty, violence, and governmental corruption in their home countries. Many also seek to reunite with family members already living in the US.

President Joe Biden, who took office in January 2021, has pledged to reverse the restrictive immigration policies of his predecessor Donald Trump and create a more humane system. Several of Biden’s steps aim to fulfill this promise, such as ending border wall construction and the “Remain in Mexico” program. Biden also restored the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program protecting unauthorized immigrants who came to the US as children from deportation.

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Biden’s immigration stances and reforms have been widely viewed by migrants as more welcoming, encouraging hopes to benefit from his initiatives. However, Biden has also faced heavy criticism from opponents accusing him of worsening the border situation and posing security threats. Some ways Biden’s policies and rhetoric may attract more border crossings include:

-Ending the “Remain in Mexico” policy stranded thousands in danger, allowing some to rejoin cases in the US.

-Reinstating DACA-inspired hopes for programs assisting immigrant youth.

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-Proposing an eight-year citizenship path attracted those wanting legal status.

-Inconsistent messaging sent mixed signals about who will be accepted or deported.

Biden’s approach implications are complex, potentially improving migrant well-being but also intensifying domestic polarization and reactionary pushback. Both positive impacts like diversity contributions and negatives like security uncertainties must be weighed. Continuous evaluation and stakeholder cooperation remain vital in navigating this challenging issue.