From 2020 to 2024, the United States witnessed a significant increase in illegal immigration and asylum approvals, influenced by a variety of factors, including policy shifts, economic challenges, and global instability. Under the Biden administration, changes to immigration enforcement, border control policies, and asylum procedures contributed to a rise in both illegal border crossings and asylum requests.
Surge in Illegal Immigration
The U.S. saw a marked increase in illegal border crossings, particularly at the U.S.-Mexico border. This surge began in 2021 and continued through 2024, with record numbers of migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Factors contributing to this increase include deteriorating economic conditions in Latin America, political instability in countries like Venezuela and Haiti, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global migration patterns
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide.
The Biden administration, upon taking office in 2021, reversed many of the more stringent immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration, such as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed. The reversal of these policies, combined with a more lenient approach to immigration enforcement, likely contributed to the increase in crossings
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions exceeded 2.5 million in fiscal year 2022, a significant increase compared to previous years. This figure represented not only economic migrants but also asylum seekers fleeing violence, persecution, and extreme poverty
Visa Bulletin For September 2024.
Increase in Asylum Approvals
Alongside the rise in illegal immigration, there has been an increase in asylum approvals from 2020 to 2024. This was partly driven by changes in the asylum process under the Biden administration. The administration expanded the criteria for asylum eligibility, allowing more individuals fleeing gang violence, domestic violence, and political persecution to seek refuge in the U.S.
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide.
Between 2020 and 2023, asylum approval rates increased, with more cases being processed favorably. Data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicates that in 2022 alone, over 30% of asylum applications were approved, compared to roughly 15% in 2020
What to Expect for United States Immigration in 2024.
This increase reflects the administration’s efforts to clear a backlog of asylum cases that had built up during the Trump era, as well as a broader interpretation of asylum protections
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide.
In 2023, the administration announced changes to expedite asylum processing at the border, including the use of asylum officers to adjudicate cases more quickly, bypassing the overburdened immigration courts
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide.
This resulted in a greater number of asylum seekers receiving approval for their claims, though it also fueled political controversy and debate about the potential for abuse of the asylum system.
Challenges and Controversies
The rise in illegal immigration and asylum approvals has generated significant political and social debate. Critics argue that the Biden administration’s policies have created a “pull factor” encouraging more migrants to attempt illegal crossings, overwhelming border authorities and straining resources. Meanwhile, supporters of the administration’s approach point to the humanitarian crisis in many sending countries and the need for a compassionate response
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide oai_citation:2,Visa Bulletin For September 2024.
In response to these challenges, the administration has sought to balance enforcement with reform. Measures such as increased resources for border security and the expansion of temporary work programs aim to manage the flow of migrants while addressing root causes of migration in Central America
Immigration Delays Persist at US Consulates Worldwide.
Conclusion
From 2020 to 2024, the U.S. experienced a sharp rise in both illegal immigration and asylum approvals, driven by policy changes, global crises, and economic factors. As the Biden administration continues to grapple with these issues, the debate over how to effectively manage immigration while upholding humanitarian obligations remains central to U.S. political discourse.