Illegal Crossings at the U.S.–Mexico Border Drop to Their Lowest Annual Level Since 1970

The White House reported that illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border have fallen to their lowest level in more than five decades. According to the official statement, fiscal year 2025 ended with approximately 238,000 apprehensions, marking a drastic reduction compared to the more than 2.2 million recorded in 2022.

This decline, described by the government as “a historic turning point,” represents the lowest number of annual apprehensions since 1970 and reflects the results of new immigration and border security policies implemented over the past several months.

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Key Figures

• 238,000 apprehensions during fiscal year 2025.
• In 2022, the total reached 2.2 million, the highest level ever recorded.
• In some recent months, apprehensions dropped to fewer than 9,000 per month, whereas in 2022 that number could be reached in a single day.
• More than 60% of this year’s apprehensions occurred during the final months of the previous administration, showing a more pronounced downward trend under the new policies.

What Changed?

The current administration attributes this decline to a coordinated strengthening of border security, with measures such as:

• Increased deployment of agents and technology in strategic locations.
• Direct cooperation with Mexico and transit countries.
• Tougher penalties against human smuggling networks.
• Greater use of biometric detection and control tools.

According to the statement, the approach aims to “restore order and legality” at the border, reducing irregular migration while promoting legal and safe migration pathways for eligible individuals.

Implications for the Immigration Landscape

This historic drop in illegal crossings may have several consequences:

• Stricter regulatory reforms: Congress is expected to debate new laws to strengthen border control and redefine admission criteria.
• More closely monitored immigration processes: Asylum and humanitarian parole applications may face more detailed scrutiny.
• Increased pressure on legal professionals: Attorneys and paralegals will need to stay informed about potential reforms affecting eligibility requirements and processing times.

Additionally, analysts suggest that these figures could reshape the political debate on immigration, shifting focus from the border crisis toward a review of residency, asylum, and family reunification programs.

After years of record-breaking numbers, the United States has seen the sharpest decline in illegal crossings since 1970. Beyond politics, this reflects a profound change in border management and in public perception of immigration control. For immigration law professionals, this new context demands preparedness, vigilance, and an understanding of the evolving dynamics shaping the future of immigration in the country.

From: https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/icymi-illegal-crossings-along-u-s-mexico-border-plummet-to-lowest-annual-level-since-1970/

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