Biden, Trump and border brutality

The Biden administration has deported nearly 4.4 million migrants, on par with Trump's numbers, amid record arrivals and a 3.7 million case asylum backlog. Biden's focus has shifted to expedited border removals and returns, with diplomatic efforts to deport migrants to over 170 countries. Despite this, resource constraints hinder effective management. Trump's aggressive immigration stance included Title 42 expulsions and proposed mass deportations. Both administrations face criticism for undermining U.S. democratic values, such as freedom and due process. As the 2024 election nears, border security remains a divisive issue challenging U.S. democratic principles.

The Biden administration's immigration policy has faced significant scrutiny as it navigates the challenges of managing record numbers of irregular border crossings while adhering to democratic values. Despite initial hopes for a more humane approach than the Trump era, the Biden administration is on track to carry out a similar number of deportations and returns. From the start of fiscal year 2021 through February 2024, Biden's administration has deported 1.1 million individuals and expelled an additional 3 million migrants under the pandemic-era Title 42 order, which ended in May 2023. This total of nearly 4.4 million repatriations is already more than any presidential term since George W. Bush.

The Biden administration's approach has included policies aimed at disincentivizing unauthorized crossings while promoting legal pathways for migration. Special humanitarian parole programs have been introduced for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, and the CBP One app has been used to manage asylum applications at ports of entry. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has struggled to keep up with the influx of migrants, leading to an unprecedented backlog of 3.7 million asylum cases.

A significant shift under Biden has been the focus on border enforcement, with a marked increase in expedited removals and returns. In FY 2023, for the first time since 2010, more migrants were returned directly across the border than removed from the U.S. interior. The administration has also made diplomatic efforts to deport migrants to over 170 countries, including challenging negotiations with nations like Cuba and Venezuela. Despite these efforts, resource constraints have hampered the administration's ability to manage the situation effectively

Proposals for additional funding have faced political obstacles, and DHS has been criticized for underestimating its needs. The lack of sufficient resources has led to operational challenges, with agents often overwhelmed and unable to process migrants efficiently, releasing many who might otherwise have been quickly removed. Trump's tenure was marked by an aggressive stance on immigration, characterized by policies such as the implementation of Title 42, which allowed for the rapid expulsion of migrants without due process under the guise of public health. His administration also emphasized building a border wall and deploying the National Guard.

Trump's proposed plans for a potential return to office include a goal of 1 million deportations per year and the use of local law enforcement to round up unauthorized immigrants, raising significant legal and constitutional concerns. Both administrations have faced criticism for policies that undermine the democratic values of the United States, such as freedom and due process. The rapid expulsions under Title 42, implemented by Trump and continued by Biden, have been particularly contentious. These policies have been seen as denying migrants the right to seek asylum, a cornerstone of international human rights and U.S. democratic principles.

Moreover, the shift towards expedited removals and returns under the Biden administration has raised concerns about the erosion of procedural safeguards that ensure the fair treatment of migrants. While addressing immediate pressures, the focus on deterrence and border enforcement risks perpetuating a cycle of punitive measures that conflict with the values of justice and humanity.

As the 2024 election approaches, border security remains a polarizing issue. Biden's stricter asylum policies and Trump's aggressive deportation plans highlight a contentious debate on immigration that continues to challenge the nation's commitment to democratic values. Ensuring immigration policies uphold these values while effectively managing border security is a critical test for U.S. leadership in the coming years.