Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Dramatic Drop in Illegal Border…

Since President Trump’s return to office, illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have plummeted by 94% due to his strict immigration policies. His administration’s actions include the deployment of troops, enhanced deportations, and an alliance with Mexico to control border security. However, concerns regarding the legality and morality of these tactics remain, particularly concerning lawful immigrants.

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has implemented numerous executive actions aimed at decreasing illegal immigration. In February of last year, the US-Mexico border saw over 130,000 illegal crossings. In contrast, this February recorded only about 8,300 crossings, a staggering 94 percent decrease, according to the US Department of Defense. Trump’s measures include suspending the asylum system, enhancing deportation efforts, and deploying more troops to the southern border.

Part of Trump’s strategy includes an agreement with Mexico to station soldiers at the border, in exchange for delaying punitive tariffs on Mexican goods. Analysts indicate that this crackdown sends a clear message: individuals crossing the border illegally face serious risks of deportation. The portrayal of deportations in the media has been stark, including flights carrying deported migrants, with a notable case involving over 250 Venezuelan gang members deported under the Alien Enemies Act.

Trump contends that the situation is akin to wartime, justifying his deportation of violent criminals, while the American Civil Liberties Union challenges this justification, labeling the approach as “lawless.” Lawyer Lee Gelernt warns of the dangers of using wartime powers for domestic enforcement, expressing concerns over the potential normalization of such practices within the US legal framework.

Despite the legal controversies surrounding his policies, many analysts consider Trump’s immigration strategies effective. Tony Payan from the Baker Institute notes that collaboration between the US and Mexico has effectively sealed the border, but adds that not all credit can be attributed to Trump. Substantial declines in crossings were already observed during former President Biden’s administration.

There are rising apprehensions regarding the impact of Trump’s policies on individuals with legal status in the US. Reports have surfaced about the detention of lawful immigrants, such as pro-Palestinian activists, and the administration is poised to revoke temporary legal status for over half a million migrants from various countries next month. This raises critical questions regarding the future of immigration policy in the US and the treatment of those legally present.

The article discusses the significant decline in illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border following Trump’s stringent immigration policies, showcasing a 94% drop in encounters from last year to this year. While Trump claims success in achieving secure borders, concerns persist about the application of wartime powers in domestic deportation practices and the potential targeting of legal residents. The implications of these policies are profound, with civil liberty organizations voicing their opposition and highlighting the broader consequences of such actions.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com