Impact of Biden and Trump Administrations on Undocumented Immigration in the US
Over the course of the past decade, the issue of undocumented immigration in the United States has been a contentious one, with stark contrasts between the administrations of President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. Both leaders have taken different approaches to addressing this issue, resulting in significant changes in the number of undocumented immigrants present in the country.
Overview of Undocumented Immigration Trends
During his term, President Trump focused on securing the southern border and reducing the flow of undocumented immigrants. He advocated for a 'America First' policy, which included building a physical wall along the USA-Mexico border and implementing strict immigration enforcement policies. By the end of Trump's term, the number of apprehensions by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had seen a significant increase, particularly in 2019 and 2020, due to the easing of travel restrictions in the wake of the global pandemic.
Undocumented Immigration Numbers Under Biden
Contrastingly, President Biden, elected in 2021, took a different approach, opening the borders to a significant number of undocumented immigrants. According to estimates, the number of undocumented immigrants is currently around 18 million under Biden's administration. However, it is important to examine the historical data to understand the broader picture.
Data Analysis and Trends
From 2016 to 2020, the number of undocumented immigrants apprehended by CBP doubled each year, except for 2020, which saw a significant drop due to the implementation of strict health and border control measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Notably, 2020 was the second-highest year on record for Border Patrol apprehensions, but it was largely attributed to the global pandemic. This pattern reversed in 2021 as the world re-opened, leading to a dramatic increase in border crossings. The influx of immigrants led to a nearly 400% increase in apprehensions in 2021.
Falling Rates Post-2021
However, the upward trend did not continue indefinitely. Since 2021, the rates of apprehensions have dropped significantly. In 2022, CBP recorded approximately 140,000 apprehensions, and in 2023, the rate has further declined to around 115,000. These drops can be attributed to various factors, including stricter border control measures and changes in migration patterns due to global events.
Conclusion
The administrations of President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump have had vastly different impacts on the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States. While Trump focused on securing the border, Biden took a more open approach. The fluctuations in immigration numbers reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of this issue, which continues to be a central topic of political debate. As the United States continues to navigate this challenging landscape, it will be crucial to consider both historical and current trends in making informed policy decisions.