Border crossings decrease due to impact of new asylum measures

July 12, 2024 Quiroga Law Office, PLLC Asilo, Immigration

My fellow brave ones! Once again, I’m back with the weekly summary of what I believe are the most relevant topics on immigration matters for our community.

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Border Crossings at Historic Lows: The Effect of New Asylum Policies

In June, just over 84,000 migrants crossed the U.S. southern border between legal ports of entry, the lowest monthly number since Joe Biden took office on January 20, 2021. According to a Department of Homeland Security official, Border Patrol agents apprehended just over 84,000 migrants in June, nearly 30% lower than in May, when there were over 117,000 apprehensions.

The Biden administration attributes this decline to new asylum restrictions announced in early June. CBS News first reported the June numbers, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline along the U.S.-Mexico border. The official June numbers will be released later this month.

The last time migrant crossings were below 97,000 was in January 2021, with just over 75,000 apprehensions. Some U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the lower numbers are also due to the high heat in June and increased interdictions of U.S.-bound migrants by Mexican authorities.

During the CNN-hosted presidential debate, Biden noted that his executive action restricting asylum claims has reduced illegal crossings by 40%. Immigration has become a top three issue for voters heading into November’s presidential election.

Key Factors in the Decline

Asylum restrictions announced in June

High temperatures in June

Increased interdictions by Mexican authorities

This downward trend marks a significant change in border management under the Biden administration.

Panama and the U.S. Strengthen Bilateral Agreements to Combat Migration and Organized Crime

Amid Panama’s migration crisis, the country has closed irregular crossings at the Darien border following an agreement with the United States. This agreement includes the U.S. commitment to support Panama in repatriating illegal migrants. Both countries continue to strengthen their diplomatic relations to fight organized crime.

Collaboration in Security and Drug Trafficking Combat

This week, Panama’s new Minister of Public Security, Fran Abrego, met with U.S. Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte and Rear Admiral Mark Shaffer, commander of Special Operations of the Southern Command. The meeting aimed to analyze strategies to combat drug trafficking.

Minister Abrego stated that “in the fight against drug trafficking and the scourge of drugs, Panama and the United States are partners and collaborators.” Ambassador Aponte expressed her satisfaction with Rear Admiral Shaffer’s visit and said they are in Panama “in brotherhood and to deepen the bonds that unite us.”

Government Plan and Financial Support

Strengthening diplomatic relations is part of President José Raúl Molino’s government plan. Key actions include signing a memorandum of understanding that promotes collaboration in managing irregular migration. This agreement includes financial support of $6 million for repatriating illegal migrants.

Impact of Darién Border Closure: Migrants Accumulate in Colombia

The recent announcement by Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino to close border crossings to control migration through the Darién Gap has alarmed Colombian authorities. The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office warned that this measure will increase the accumulation of people in municipalities receiving migrants, particularly in the Urabá regions of Antioquia and Chocó.

Negative Effects of Border Closures

Videos on social media show barbed wire preventing migrants from crossing. Officials from the Ombudsman’s Office visited the Astí village, one of the border points, where they found an 80-meter barbed wire fence blocking the path to Central America.

Alejandro Abuchar González, the mayor of the Colombian border town of Acandí, warned that Panama’s measures only worsen the situation by promoting piracy and the illegal activities of coyotes. However, Carlos Fernando García, Director of Migration Colombia, stated that while some crossings have been closed, people are still crossing, and the government is taking measures to ensure the rights and safety of migrants.

Humanitarian Measures and International Agreements

Panama’s Minister of Security, Frank Abrego, announced the installation of blockades on several routes to channel migrants to the Cañas Blancas Migration Center, where they will be screened. Additionally, Panama has disabled three crossings and reinforced coastal and land patrols on the border with Colombia.

The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office urged the government to request that Panama respects the human rights of migrants by providing shelter, access to basic needs, and non-refoulement. It also called on regional authorities to activate migration management tables with a humanitarian focus.

Finally, after meetings with Panamanian and U.S. authorities, mechanisms were agreed upon to address the migration flow, including prior identification of migrants and collaboration in their repatriation.

End of Chevron Doctrine Benefits Immigrants and Businesses

The US Supreme Court’s decision to limit federal agencies’ ability to interpret ambiguous laws will benefit many immigrants and businesses. Immigration lawyers say this will make obtaining visas and green cards easier. The elimination of the Chevron doctrine, a conservative goal, shifts the balance of power towards the courts.

Benefits and Challenges

This decision will allow more successful challenges to visa denials.

Agencies will need to follow the strict language of the statute.

Diane Butler, an immigration attorney, says this will enable employers to challenge USCIS decisions.

However, some experts warn there will be winners and losers. Immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta notes that the decision could weaken programs based on interpretations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), such as DACA.

New Programs and Litigation

The end of Chevron could impact employment authorization programs for international graduates and visa holders’ spouses. Attorney Paul Hughes states these programs should remain intact due to clear authorization in the INA.

The decision will also affect deportation relief programs like parole and Temporary Protected Status. Conservative critics see these programs as vulnerable to rollbacks under a Republican administration.

Continue reading: Biden Administration Proposes Tightening Asylum Policies at the Border

Biden Announces Rules to Protect Workers From Extreme Heat

The Biden administration has introduced new rules that would establish the first federal safety standard to protect workers from extreme heat. These rules, applicable to both indoor and outdoor workplaces, require employers to provide water when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They must also offer access to shade or air-conditioned break rooms.

New Rule Requirements

If the heat index surpasses 90 degrees, employers must provide 15-minute paid breaks every two hours.

Companies must develop plans to prevent heat-related injuries.

Employers must set up a system to monitor symptoms of heat stroke in very hot weather.

President Biden highlighted that this new rule will significantly reduce heat-related injuries and deaths for over 36 million workers. According to government estimates, heat exposure killed an average of 33 workers per year between 1992 and 2021. A 41-year-old worker died picking oranges in Florida due to two labor violations. This case could have been prevented with proper monitoring.

Economic Impact and Legal Challenges

OSHA estimates that the regulation would cost businesses an average of $3,085 per establishment per year. The rule will undergo a public comment period before final publication. Opponents plan to challenge it in court if implemented, and it could be overturned if the White House changes hands after the election.

This was the most relevant immigration news this week. See you next Friday.

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