As the months of 2020 continued, the number of families crossing the boarder illegally into the United States reached an all time high in August. According to the latest figures from the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), over 11,000 families were apprehended between official ports of entry in August, the highest monthly total on record, when compared to the 10,300 families apprehended in July.
Not only were there more families, but they were also typically larger ones, with many children and youth among them. This further increases the burden on border patrol agents and brings more challenges for local officials. Many of these families come from Central American nations, where poverty and violence have pushed them to flee the dangers of their homeland. Upon arriving in the United States, many attempt to apply for asylum, a legal process authorized by the United Nations that allows individuals to enter a country in search of protection from persecution.
However, with current US policies, it is difficult for these families to be granted asylum even if they have a valid claim. President Donald Trump has issued a number of executive orders that have severely limited the rights and protections for these families and immigrants. Under one of these orders, a ban on asylum seekers from Central America is in place. This leaves these families in a vulnerable and precarious position as they risk possible deportation if their applications are denied.
This recent trend of increasing numbers of families crossing the border also puts a strain on the already overcrowded migrant shelters along the US-Mexico border. These shelters are run by churches, charities, and volunteer organizations, many of which are now having to divert their resources to meet the growing needs of the families that are crossing into the US.
In an effort to help refugees and immigrants, some organizations are calling for an end to policies that deprive these people of their basic human rights. They are speaking out against the ivory tower policies implemented by the Trump administration and trying to ensure that families are given fair and equal treatment.
These organizations demonstrate that, contrary to the Trump administration’s portrayal of asylum seekers as a threat to national security, those crossing the border are often vulnerable and in need of assistance, not persecution. In response to the recent rate of family apprehensions, charities and churches demand that the US government allow for them to receive the assistance needed.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis at the border serves as a call to action to change current policies and provide refuge to those in need. Unfortunately, until change occurs, thousands of families fleeing violence will be put in a vulnerable position where they may not be able to access the legal protections of asylum.