Leaders from the United States and Mexico have announced plans to address the surge in illegal immigration at their shared border. In a phone conversation on Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged to take decisive action to curb irregular crossings, which have escalated to unprecedented levels in recent years.
The joint statement issued by the two leaders emphasized their commitment to implementing immediate measures aimed at significantly reducing irregular border crossings while safeguarding human rights. Both administrations recognize the need to tackle the underlying economic and security challenges that drive migration.
President Biden, amid mounting concerns over immigration among American voters, has adopted a tougher stance on border security in recent months. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have accused Biden of reversing Trump-era border policies and failing to address the surge in illegal crossings effectively.
While the White House has contemplated using executive authority to block migrants at the border, this approach could face legal hurdles and opposition from some Democrats. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding potential measures to grant temporary legal status and work permits to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, offering a political counterbalance to border restrictions.
Despite immigration not ranking as a top concern among Mexican voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election on June 2, President Lopez Obrador stressed the importance of maintaining open borders for legal immigration while cracking down on irregular migration.
While the U.S. Border Patrol recorded a monthly record of 250,000 migrant apprehensions in December, the number has since decreased, with 137,000 arrests in March. President Lopez Obrador attributed this decline in part to social programs implemented by Mexico in collaboration with other Latin American countries, addressing the root causes of migration.
Both U.S. and Mexican officials have highlighted increased enforcement efforts by Mexico as a contributing factor to the decrease in border crossings.