Shelters along the southern U.S. border and in major cities have seen a significant decrease in migrants seeking refuge in recent months. President Joe Biden’s executive action in June, limiting asylum claims, has led to a 50% drop in migrants apprehended at the southwest border. This decline has been felt by emergency shelter infrastructure that developed in response to a surge in migrants in previous years. Mexico’s increased enforcement efforts to stem the flow of migrants northward through its territory have also contributed to the decrease in migrants reaching the U.S.
Shelters in Texas, Arizona, and other border cities have reported a drastic reduction in the number of migrants seeking shelter, with some locations seeing declines as high as 60%. Increased reliance on the CBP One app, which allows migrants to apply for asylum without entering the U.S., has also played a role in the decrease in migrant populations. In cities like Chicago, Denver, and New York, shelter populations have dropped significantly, with some locations transitioning from emergency response to sustainability.
While some shelter operators are cautiously optimistic about the long-term decrease in migrant populations, they are also waiting to see if the trend continues after the U.S. elections in November. Despite the decline in migrants seeking refuge, factors driving migration and the demographics of those heading north remain unchanged. Maintaining shelter infrastructure and support services for migrants remains a priority in cities and communities across the U.S.
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