### Continued Irregular Crossings Despite U.S. Restrictions
Even with new immigration policies in place, individuals continue to cross into the United States irregularly due to lengthy asylum processes. In June, a presidential decree initiated by President Joe Biden began restricting asylum for those entering the country illegally. However, according to Juan Carlos Solís, director of Proyecto Salesiano, this has not deterred those seeking refuge from crossing the border.
The Proyecto Salesiano operates two shelters, one for men and one for women, where the majority of people seeking refuge recently are internally displaced individuals. Solís noted a slight reduction in the number of occupants as people are now able to apply for asylum appointments nationwide using the CBP One app since August, leading to a dynamic turnover at the shelters.
Luis Miranda, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, stated that irregular crossings have decreased by nearly 54% since the decree took effect. Deportations have accelerated, reportedly tripling in recent months due to these new measures.
### Related Update: Changes in U.S. Asylum Applications and Deportations
In a broader context, the impact of the Biden administration’s asylum policy continues to be a critical topic. According to current reports, the tightened asylum process has resulted in increased deportations and a significant drop in illegal entries. The CBP One mobile application now allows migrants to schedule appointments at border entry points across the entire country, a change that could be contributing to fewer occupants in shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Moreover, there has been a surge in requests for humanitarian asylum consultations in anticipation of potential policy shifts should there be a change in U.S. administration leadership. The evolving political landscape could influence migration patterns as people respond to new challenges and opportunities presented by U.S. immigration policies.
These developments indicate a complex and ongoing situation that continues to affect migrants seeking asylum and those who support them on both sides of the border. As authorities adjust strategies to address these irregular crossings, the humanitarian dimension remains a critical component of the broader immigration debate.