Alongside the inflow of migrants from Central America, the United States is dealing with a significant issue. The figures are staggering: ever since the onset of 2019, more and more migrants from Central America have arrived (Massey, 2020). Over 76,000 migrants crossed the border between the United States (US) and Mexico without permission (Gerschutz, 2022). The government must take various actions to address this issue, including expanding the capacity at ports of entry, maximizing alternatives to incarceration, and offering a path to citizenship. The government can lessen the number of persons entering the nation illegally and enhance living circumstances for those who are already residents by implementing the policies mentioned above.
Border Security is making efficient use of resources and adding more to control the migration influx better. To manage intake and process asylum applications more quickly, capacity at ports of entry must be increased by adding staff and resources. This implies that the number of asylum officers and immigration judge teams should be expanded. Additionally, the state must guarantee that organizations crucial to processing specific migrants have the necessary jurisdiction, capability, and resources, such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services (ORR).
Another way of solving the border crisis is by increasing alternatives to detention and holding security threats in custody, such as community service. This might include significantly expanding the use of minimally intrusive methods that permit the release of families while guaranteeing that they can be found and informed about their court proceedings (Massey, 2020). It could also include extending the availability of family detention space in non-restrictive facilities and establishing legislative regulations. These rules might guarantee that institutions that house families provide all convicts with age-appropriate safeguards and educational opportunities.
Consequently, the US could assist the Mexican government in strengthening and implementing its refugee and asylum policies. The state could lessen drug and gang chaos and stop local syndicates from shipping people into the United States by assisting Mexico’s law execution forces (Gerschutz, 2022). The most significant course of action is to assist the Mexican regime in creating a more efficient harbor set-up domestically. Additionally, both nations should cooperate with the UNHCR, and this is to certify that a process is in place to assist Central Americans in danger. Most Central Americans believe that the United States is the best location for them to apply for asylum due to familial ties or other factors.
Providing a path to acquire citizenship through the application for a visa by the immigrants. Perhaps most importantly, it will remove the incentive for people to move to the United States illegally in the first place. If people know that they can eventually become citizens if they legally come to the United States, they are likelier to come lawfully. Additionally, undocumented immigrants already in the United States are often afraid to report crimes or cooperate with the police for fear of being deported. If given a path to citizenship, they are much more likely to report crimes and help solve them. Finally, undocumented immigrants are often paid meager wages, which can result in them turning to crime to make ends meet. If given a path to citizenship, they will have a much easier time finding jobs that pay a living wage, which will help reduce crime.
Compliance with immigration regulations could be stepped up together with laws in the United States for the immigrants (Elias, 2022). This will assist in resolving the border situation by discouraging individuals from entering the country illegally in the first place. Potential immigrants will be less willing to take the risk if the penalties for being discovered are high enough. Furthermore, strict enforcement can deter those currently here unlawfully from staying because they fear being detected and deported. Finally, strict enforcement will make recruiting smuggled immigrants more difficult and expensive, reducing their demand.
Additionally, the US regime could expand social and economic prospects with the nations of Central America. Expanding social and economic prospects in Central American nations would aid in resolving the border situation, given that a sizable share of undocumented immigrants originates from those nations. For instance, Central American nations may contribute to reducing poverty and violence that frequently prompt individuals to emigrate illegally to the United States by offering more chances for jobs and education. Additionally, by making it more straightforward for individuals to obtain employment and improve their lives without having to leave their native countries, better economic circumstances in Central America can assist in stopping the influx of migrants.
The border crisis is a complex issue that will be solved from the cooperation of the United States and the Central American nations. By addressing the primary reasons behind migration from Central America, the border crisis can be resolved in the most efficient way possible. This can be accomplished by expanding those nations’ economic and social opportunities, enhancing their immigration policies, and supporting their law enforcement organizations. Additionally, by severely implementing its immigration laws, the United States can discourage illegal immigration.
References
Elías, M. V. (2022). Managing security and immigration at the US–Mexico border: a Foucauldian perspective. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 1-21. Web.
Gerschutz-Bell, J. M. (2022). Root causes of migration, development, and US aid to northern triangle states. Journal on Migration and Human Security, 10(3), 173–189. Web.
Massey, D. S. (2020). The real crisis at the Mexico‐U.S. border: a humanitarian and not an immigration emergency. Sociological Forum, 35(3), 787–805. Web.