White Paper: Assessment of U.S. Immigration Policies from the Trump to the Biden Administration

Executive Summary

This white paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. immigration policies during the administrations of President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. It assesses the effectiveness and impact of their policies on border security, immigration enforcement, and the handling of migrants and asylum seekers. The focus is particularly on the significant shift in policy direction from Trump’s stringent measures to Biden’s more lenient and humanitarian approach, examining the tangible outcomes and challenges associated with these changes. The analysis concludes with a critical review of the Biden administration’s strategies, highlighting areas of failure and the resultant implications for border security and immigration management.

Introduction

U.S. immigration policies have undergone significant transformations between the administrations of President Trump (2017-2021) and President Biden (2021-present). President Trump’s policies were characterized by strict border enforcement, significant restrictions on legal and illegal immigration, and aggressive deportation practices. In contrast, President Biden campaigned on and implemented policies that aimed to unwind many of Trump’s initiatives, promoting a more humane immigration system and broader pathways to citizenship.

Analysis of Policies

Trump Administration Policies:

? Border Wall Construction: A cornerstone of Trump’s approach was the expansion of physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.

? Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP): Required asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases were adjudicated.

? Title 42 Expulsions: Utilized public health authority to expel migrants quickly due to COVID-19, bypassing standard legal processes for asylum seekers.

Biden Administration Policies:

? Termination of the MPP and Border Wall Construction: Biden ended these initiatives, aiming to restore asylum processes and reduce physical barriers.

? Focus on Root Causes: Biden’s approach includes addressing the root causes of migration in Central America through foreign aid and diplomatic efforts.

? Adjustment in ICE Priorities: Shifted focus from broad enforcement to targeting public safety threats, decreasing the scope of deportations.

Comparative Metrics

? Border Encounters: Under Trump, encounters peaked at 1.15 million in 2019 but dropped in 2020 due to COVID-19. Under Biden, the encounters surged to over 2.1 million by 2023.

? Apprehensions and Drug Seizures: Biden’s tenure has seen a rise in apprehensions and continued high levels of drug seizures, reflecting ongoing challenges at the border despite policy shifts.

Evaluation of Biden’s Failures

The analysis suggests several key areas where the Biden administration has failed to meet its objectives:

? Surge in Illegal Crossings: The termination of stringent policies like MPP without effective replacement strategies led to unprecedented levels of border encounters and apprehensions.

? Ineffective Handling of Asylum Claims: Despite intentions to create a more humane immigration system, the backlog in processing asylum claims has worsened, complicating border management and undermining legal entry processes.

? National Security Concerns: Reduction in the scope of deportations has raised concerns about the ability to manage public safety, especially regarding individuals with criminal backgrounds.

Conclusion

While the Biden administration aimed to transform U.S. immigration policy towards a more inclusive and humane approach, the execution of these policies has faced significant challenges. The surge in border crossings and the inability to effectively manage asylum processes have highlighted critical gaps in policy planning and implementation. To improve, future policies should balance humanitarian concerns with pragmatic border management and enforcement strategies to ensure national security and effective immigration control.

Recommendations

? Reevaluate and Strengthen Asylum Processes: Streamline and expedite asylum procedures to manage backlogs and ensure timely processing.

? Balanced Approach to Border Security: Implement border security measures that protect national interests while respecting human rights.

? Enhanced Collaboration with International Partners: Strengthen partnerships with Central American countries to address migration’s root causes effectively.

This white paper underscores the importance of a balanced and effectively managed immigration system that considers both humanitarian concerns and the realities of national security and public policy.