The Doors are Closing

Glimpses of US Border Migration 2023-2024
Photography by Ron Haviv/VII

In 2023, in anticipation of Title 42 the U.S.-Mexico border experienced a high level of migrant arrivals. Cities like Matamoros in Mexico hosted thousands of migrants waiting to cross with around 400 individuals being processed daily, with high demand, from Venezuelan and Haitian migrants, that stretched local resources and contributed to humanitarian and security challenges.

By late 2024, due to U.S. political debates and policy changes with the Presidential election. immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border reflected challenges and responses by the Biden administration and Mexican authorities. The U.S. implemented strict enforcement policies, including restrictions on asylum for migrants who enter irregularly. Migrants are encouraged to use legal channels like the CBP One app to schedule asylum appointments, although appointment backlogs have led to long waiting times—up to nine months in some cases—pushing migrants to stay in southern Mexico for extended periods.

As of mid-2024, total encounters had dropped around 50% since the beginning of the year. By June 2024, daily encounters averaged below 1,900, marking one of the lowest levels since 2021.