Well, well, well, folks. Here we go again with another chapter in the Biden administration’s never-ending saga of border mismanagement. Buckle up, because this time they’re expanding their tech-savvy approach to immigration, and you won’t believe where it’s heading. But before you roll your eyes and click away, stick around. This story’s got more twists than a pretzel factory, and you’ll want to know what’s coming down the pike for our southern border.
CBP One Expansion: A Digital Gateway to America
The Biden administration is broadening its technological reach into southern Mexico, allowing migrants in Chiapas and Tabasco states to schedule U.S. entry appointments using the CBP One app. This expansion aims to reduce dangers for migrants traveling north and ease the strain on the Mexican government. It’s a move that Mexico, a key U.S. partner in managing migration flows, specifically requested.
The CBP One app has become a crucial tool for legal entry and asylum seeking since June when the U.S. suspended asylum processing for illegal entries. From January to June 2023, over 680,000 appointments were made at Mexican land crossings with the U.S. using the app.
#TBT CBP's first 10 years were full of initiatives, collaborations, and new technology. Check out this rundown of CBP accomplishments from 2003-2013.
WATCH: https://t.co/dm8Wj26TE8
— CBP (@CBP) March 10, 2023
The Impact on Migration Patterns
This expansion of CBP One’s reach comes as U.S. officials report a sharp drop in arrests for illegal border crossings during the first half of 2023, largely attributed to increased Mexican enforcement. In fact, July saw arrests plummet 30% from the previous month, reaching the lowest level of Joe Biden’s presidency and the lowest since September 2020.
Controversial Parole Programs and Record-Breaking Numbers
While the CBP One app aims to streamline legal entry, the Biden administration has also admitted over half a million migrants under immigration parole programs. These programs have sparked legal disputes and criticism from Republicans, who argue that the administration is overstepping its authority.
The Department of Homeland Security, under the false pretense of preventing aliens from unlawfully crossing the border between the ports of entry, has effectively created a new visa program — without the formalities of legislation from Congress, stated Republican-led states in a lawsuit challenging these programs.
Despite these efforts, fiscal year 2023 saw a staggering 2.5 million migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border, a historic high. For the first time, 51% of irregular arrivals were from beyond Mexico and northern Central America, signaling a significant shift in migration patterns.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Funding
The changing landscape of immigration has posed new challenges for border enforcement operations and processing capacity. The Biden administration has requested $13.6 billion in emergency supplemental funding to address border security and immigration system challenges.
As the CBP One app continues to evolve and expand its reach, it remains to be seen whether this technological approach will effectively manage the complex and ever-changing dynamics of U.S. immigration. One thing is certain: the debate over immigration policy and border security is far from over.
Sources:
Videos:
CBP’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
IMMIGRATION AS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
PRESIDENT BIDEN DELIVERS REMARKS ON BORDER SECURITY AND ENFORCEMENT
Tweets:
We launched the CBP One mobile app, which, in its first four months, helped 83,000 individuals schedule an appointment at a port of entry, and we are taking steps to expand available appointments. https://t.co/715uFoV63b
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 10, 2023
#TBT CBP's first 10 years were full of initiatives, collaborations, and new technology. Check out this rundown of CBP accomplishments from 2003-2013.
WATCH: https://t.co/dm8Wj26TE8
— CBP (@CBP) March 10, 2023
