A caravan of hundreds of migrants is making its way to the U.S. border, aiming to reach the border before the November elections out of fear that former President Trump might close it down. The group, composed of migrants from various countries, departed from Mexico’s southern border and started heading north on Sunday. This move coincided with President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election.
Some members of the caravan expressed concerns about the possibility of permits to cross the border being blocked. Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador, mentioned the importance of appointments via the CBP One app, which allows 1,000 migrants per day to enter the U.S. under the Biden administration. If Trump were to be re-elected, he is expected to halt this program.
While many migrant caravans tend to disband before reaching the U.S. border, some migrants choose to continue their journey independently. In recent years, the U.S. has experienced record numbers of encounters at the border, although there has been a significant drop in numbers in the past few months due to new restrictions imposed by President Biden.
The Biden administration continues to call for additional funding and reforms from Congress to address what it describes as a “broken” immigration system. They emphasize that congressional action is crucial to securing the border effectively. On the other hand, Republicans blame the border crisis on the Biden administration, accusing it of reversing successful policies implemented during the Trump era and adopting an “open border” strategy.
At the recent Republican National Convention, there were strong calls for increased border security and enforcement, with attendees advocating for “Mass Deportations Now!” Former President Trump also pledged to put an end to the “invasion” at the southern border if he were to be re-elected.
In light of these developments, a recent poll indicated that the number of Americans expressing a desire for reduced immigration levels is at its highest since 2001. The situation at the border remains a pressing issue, with differing perspectives on how to address and resolve the challenges faced.
