The situation on the US-Mexico border, which, by the way, has a length of 1,933 miles, is critical, the migration crisis is reaching its peak. The number of illegal immigrants trying to cross the border continues to increase. In particular between Tijuana and San Diego, makeshift villages are already literally organized. People arrive at the US-Mexico border from different countries, in particular Guatemala, Bolivia, Venezuela, as well as different places of Mexico.
The crisis on the border between Mexico and the United States has a negative impact on both countries. On the Mexican side of the border, illegal large-scale migrant smuggling operations are on the rise, controlled by cartels. This is already leading to an increase in crime and violence in Mexico. The US is also facing serious consequences, with border patrols detaining about 10,000 illegal immigrants daily.
Basically the border is collapsing. The United States Border Patrol can’t arrest that many people day in and day out for very long time. Local authorities say that several thousand refugees a day can overload the border system. At the same time, crowds of people still remain in Mexico and plan to get to the US. This is the biggest migrant crisis ever.
A Stalemate for The Biden Administration
Criticism of President comes from all quarters. He is criticized both internationally and domestically. Naturally, this situation plays into the hands of Mr. Trump, who has approved Title 42 and has always remained a supporter of the fact that migration should be strictly controlled.
Criticism within The Country
Biden is criticized by US politicians in the border areas. They faced the need to increase the budget to combat illegal migration.
And concern about the new arrivals has spread far beyond the border. Thus, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy literally mocked President Biden for “record crossings, record indiscretions and record chaos” in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives. He blamed Democrats of “doing nothing” to prevent the crisis.
Criticism at The International Level
Some experts also warn that the continued practice of expelling migrants could negatively impact US relations with Latin America and could lead to increased US identification with xenophobia and racism.
Moreover, the crisis is causing divisions between Mexico and the United States in terms of immigration policy. Mexico does not want to be held responsible for incoming migrants who are trying to get to the US and blames the US for its lack of a clear immigration policy. The US, in turn, believes that Mexico is not doing enough to prevent illegal migration through its territory. At the same time, a softer approach to migrants may lead to an influx of new migrants and is already causing growing discontent among Americans, who believe that the United States should first of all take care of its own citizens.
Criticism of Title 42
Title 42 was introduced in March 2020 at the initiative of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the presidency of Donald Trump. The purpose of this measure was to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the US by restricting the movement of people across the border. Over the following months, Title 42 resulted in many migrants being immediately deported back to Mexico, with no way to seek asylum or other forms of protection.
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However, Title 42 led to allegations of violations of migrants’ rights, especially against children who were forced into disadvantaged conditions at the border. Many human rights organizations and even some medical experts have criticized Title 42 for being ineffective and cruel. Critics of migration policy also point out that the continued use of Title 42 is contrary to international standards and humanitarian principles.
They Knew About the Impending Crisis, But Did Nothing
Even though migrants began organizing long before Title 42 ended, its repeal gave them even more incentive to try to cross the border. “My dream is to work, live with my wife and raise my daughter in a place where we are not afraid of criminals,” said Gabriel Ortega, 39, who came to the border from Maracaibo, Venezuela, with his wife and 3-year-old child . “I’ve been preparing for the trip here in advance,” adds Juan Vargas from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, “for me, this is the last hope for a normal future. I would like to do everything according to the law, but it looks like I will have to be not law-abiding, but resourceful.”
Indeed, many migrants prepared in advance, but not the US government and presidential administration. In fact, it has long been obvious that the end of Title 42 would have serious consequences. After all, even according to the historical data of the US Department of Homeland Security, over 172 thousand illegal immigrants were detained in March 2021, which is the highest figure in the last 15 years. In April, this figure increased to 178 thousand people. These figures suggest that the problem of migration on the southern border of the US will remain very relevant until such time as immigration laws are revised globally and the US does not rely on initiatives like Title 42.
