The United States is witnessing a remarkable surge in illegal immigration, with individuals from Asia and Africa tripling their presence at the southern border. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) data paints a stark picture: In fiscal 2023, apprehensions of immigrants from distant continents soared to 214,000, a significant leap from 70,000 in 2022 and a mere 19,000 in 2021.
This uptick presents a unique challenge. Unlike migrants from Latin America, with whom the U.S. shares a long history and established repatriation agreements, these “extracontinentals” lack such protocols. The Biden administration acknowledges the strain, citing the lack of longstanding ties or agreements with many Asian and African countries as a bottleneck in facilitating quick removals.
Illegal immigration from Asia and Africa TRIPLES since 2022, 214,000 arrests made: CBPhttps://t.co/LguKknlNoO
— MnMsBabom (@JustBabom) November 4, 2023
Social media has emerged as a vital tool for human smugglers, facilitating what is colloquially known as “donkey flights” to Latin American countries with lax visa requirements. From there, migrants embark on northbound buses toward the U.S. Enrique Lucero, head of Tijuana’s migrant support unit, has noticed the trend, stating that they now deal with 120 nationalities and 60 languages.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) has prioritized easing the taxpayer burden by accelerating work visa processes for immigrants as sanctuary cities struggle under the influx. Simultaneously, the city has taken a stance, discouraging migrants from relying on New York for employment opportunities.
The broader implications of this immigration wave are far-reaching. CBP’s annual data shows a record 2.4 million illegal crossings, with a concerning uptick in individuals on the terrorist watch list – 172 in 2023, up from 98 in the previous year. This raises questions about national security, as the border sees an unprecedented diversity in the origins of those attempting to enter the country illegally.
Amid these developments, it’s essential to acknowledge that the face of immigration is changing. With the number of Asian and African migrants rising, the U.S. must adapt its border management and immigration policies to reflect the global context of those seeking entry. The conservative perspective emphasizes the need for robust border control and swift immigration procedures to maintain national security and uphold the rule of law.
