Thousands Await Legal Entry to U.S. as Border Cities Face Migrant Surge
With over 11,000 immigrants anticipating legal entry into the United States from the Mexican side of the border, US border cities are grappling with an unparalleled influx of individuals seeking a new life in the USA.
Casey Parker
- 2023-12-27
- Updated 01:31 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Over 11,000 migrants are currently residing in shelters and camps across the border in Mexico, holding on to the hope of legally entering the United States through processes introduced by President Joe Biden's administration. These immigrants and asylum seekers are stationed at various border points, awaiting their turn to start anew in the U.S. The legal pathways they seek have been created to provide a controlled and lawful entry process for those fleeing adversity in their home countries.
Southern Border Cities under Strain
The situation on the ground reflects the growing challenge facing border cities. In December, U.S. federal authorities reported encountering over 9,600 immigrants daily along the southern border. This number is a testament to the constant and significant pressure these cities face to accommodate and process a substantial number of people desiring entrance to the country. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, since May, has been active in addressing the flow of migrants, with over 445,000 deportations or returns of individuals who had crossed the border, signaling the Biden administration's efforts to manage the migration tide.
Temporary Disruption of Rail Operations
Cities like Eagle Pass and El Paso recently experienced a temporary suspension of railroad services, a move by the Biden administration in response to the border surge. These interruptions aimed to enhance the administration's control over immigration and stem unauthorized entries. Operations have resumed as of Friday, indicating an attempt to balance stringent border policies with the maintenance of essential cross-border commerce and travel.
In light of the complex developments at the US-Mexico border, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is scheduled to meet with high-ranking U.S. officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and President Biden's National Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. These discussions in Mexico City are expected to further address the immigration challenges and collaborative efforts necessary to tackle the ongoing crisis.
