The surge in illegal crossings at the northern border under the Biden administration has sparked renewed security concerns and debates over border policies.
At a Glance
- Unauthorized crossings at the northern border have surged, with a significant increase due to Indian migrants.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported nearly 20,000 encounters with migrants this year.
- An informal economy has emerged around transporting migrants.
- The Northern Border Strategy hasn’t been updated since 2018 despite rising threats.
Illegal Crossings Surge
The northern U.S. border is witnessing a dramatic increase in unauthorized crossings, with numbers rising from 365 in 2021 to over 19,000 recently in the Swanton sector alone. Nationwide, a sixfold increase sees the total nearing 190,000 for fiscal year 2023. This surge is driven primarily by Indian nationals seeking economic opportunities, accounting for approximately 60% of recent encounters.
This influx has prompted the development of an informal economy, wherein drivers charge $150 to $300 to transport individuals from border areas to cities like New York City. Shivam, a driver from India, shared, “I rent a car, I come here. So people coming, I’m just helping them.” This illustrates how economic motivations and perceived opportunities in industries like services and hospitality are drawing people to the U.S.
Rising Legislative Concerns
U.S. Senators Cramer, Hassan, and Gillibrand have introduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act to tackle what Senator Cramer describes as an “unprecedented surge.” He stated, “Over the last four years, our nation has experienced an unprecedented surge in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Canada border.” The Act mandates an annual threat analysis and updates to the Northern Border Strategy.
The bill aims to hold the administration accountable while seeking to protect communities from threats, including the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs. North Dakota reported 4,444 illegal entries in Fiscal Year 2023, a steep rise from 548 in Fiscal Year 2021, emphasizing the northern border’s evolving security challenges.
Security and Strategy Lag
The significant increase in border crossings and security threats comes alongside Homeland Security’s acknowledgment that 422 individuals with terrorist connections have entered the country. The Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement saw modifications in March 2023 covering internal waterways to mitigate asylum pressures, yet illegal crossings persist.
Puzzling officials, these measures should theoretically deter unlawful entry. Nonetheless, DHS is responding by altering asylum processing protocols, including documentation requirements and reduced attorney consultation time. This situation underscores a need for comprehensive strategy updates to effectively manage rising crossings and emerging threats.
