By TIPP EDITORIAL BOARD, TIPP Insights

Now that the midterms are around the corner, the Biden administration is slowly waking up to an issue that has many Americans, especially those in the border areas, very concerned – migration and border security.

According to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services data, in September, it encountered 227,000 migrants crossing into the U.S. from Mexico. That brings the tally to more than 2.76 million arrests for the fiscal year ending September 30. In addition, immigration officials estimated that at least 1 million “got-aways” have slipped through the Border Patrol and entered the U.S under President Joe Biden. According to CBP, 19% of the September southern border encounters involved people who had been encountered at least once in the previous 12 months.

Since the easing of pandemic-induced restrictions, people from countries reeling under the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns and disruptions are making a beeline for the border. Migrants fleeing repressive regimes and collapsing economies like Venezuela are prime targets for human traffickers and drug cartels.

Biden administration’s claims of building a “safe, orderly and humane” immigration system seem to be falling apart. In March 2021, the government granted temporary protected status (TPS) to Venezuelans already in the United States. While the administration intended it as a “humanitarian gesture,” the TPS led to a wave of immigrants from the South American country. Deporting migrants from the country was easier said than done, as Washington broke off relations with Caracas in 2019. The Maduro government was not too keen on facilitating deportation flights.

Venezuela is a country in deep trouble. It has some of the world’s largest oil reserves. Yet, the nation’s economy has been reeling under a recession since oil prices crashed in 2014. Poor governance, failed policies, and rampant corruption has led to record-high inflation. According to available data, around three-fourths of Venezuelans live in extreme poverty. The monthly minimum wage hovers around $15.

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It is no wonder that over 33,000 Venezuelan individuals were trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in September. To stem the flow of migrants and appease those in the southern Border States before the November midterms, the administration recently announced plans to grant 24,000 Venezuelans humanitarian entry to America as long as they arrive by air. Only those with a valid Venezuelan passport (which costs around $200) and a U.S.-based supporter are eligible for the program. The U.S. will send back migrants trying to cross over land to Mexico.

Mexico is already reeling under the influx of migrants trying to cross into America. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged Washington to mend its relations with Caracas. He also wanted the U.S. to expand the humanitarian entry grant to accommodate more Venezuelans.

America is the land of dreams and opportunity for many fleeing inhospitable conditions in their home country. While the country has always welcomed people from the world over, the flood of migrants crossing the border poses a threat to American society and prosperity. Drug cartels and human trafficking rings are preying on these desperate people seeking a better life.

The southern Border States have been dealing with the migrant flood and urging Washington to do more for months. Crime rates are high, and law enforcement is stretched thin. But, the Biden administration’s policies have so far induced little confidence among Americans.

In a recent IBD/TIPP Poll, of 1376 adults, only 27% gave the President’s handling of the immigration issue passing grades. While he fared best among his own party (55% approved), just 12% of independents and 8% of Republicans felt he was doing a good job.

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Vice President Kamala Harris recently claimed that the U.S. border with Mexico is secure despite the situation. The White House doubled down.

The Vice President’s claim prompted us to ask in our Golden/TIPP Poll, “Generally speaking, how secure are the American borders?” Most Americans would disagree with her that the border is secure. The breakdown of the results:

• 13% Very secure
• 24% Somewhat secure
• 23% Not very secure
• 31% Not at all secure
• 8% Not sure

It is impossible to blame political ideology and party leanings alone for such poor numbers. The deteriorating state of affairs and Washington’s apathy have left many feeling insecure in their own neighborhoods.

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The Biden administration’s latest attempt to curb migration across the southern border into the U.S. is unlikely to solve the crisis. It may turn out to be too little too late to stem the tide. As law enforcement struggles to plug the porous border, Americans will likely show their displeasure at the ballot box come November.

READ MORE BY TIPP INSIGHTS

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