Immigration policy under the Biden administration has generated voluminous debate and intense scrutiny domestically and internationally. Coming into office, President Joe Biden was eager to reverse many of the rigid immigration policies promulgated by the prior president, Donald Trump.

New policies reflect a radical turn in priorities, placing compassion and inclusivity at the forefront and providing a pathway to citizenship for millions. But the complexity of immigration reform and the pressure from all sides seem to have made the issue very complicated.

Upon taking power in January 2021, President Biden began to tear apart Trump's immigration legacy with a series of executive orders. One of the key elements of Biden's immigration policy is the ending of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Under this, it was anticipated that asylum seekers would remain in Mexico while their cases were in process, hence resulting in enormous humanitarian concerns with respect to unsafe living conditions and the ability of access to legal counsel.

Biden's administration also tried to restore protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, popularly known as DACA-young immigrants brought into the United States as children, having spent their entire lives in this country.
Such efforts by the administration to bolster DACA represent a deeper commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and recognizing valued contributions to American life.

In addition to revising specific policies, the Biden Administration has also proposed comprehensive immigration reform legislation that targets root causes of migration and provides a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the United States.

Among many provisions, the legislation would take steps toward strengthening border security, streamlining the immigration processing system, and investing in the countries from which most migrants are fleeing.

But this ambitious proposal has faced significant setbacks in Congress. Divisions along party lines and disputes over how best to approach immigration reform have thwarted any movement on the issue.

Most Republicans have panned the proposed reforms, saying they would lead to even greater numbers crossing the border illegally and compromising security at U.S. borders. At the same time, various advocacy groups continue pressing the administration for stronger moves to be taken to protect vulnerable communities from violence and persecution.

As the Biden administration has worked to implement its initiatives, it has also had to contend with a growing number of migrants across the southern border. The increased number of arrivals is testing the ability of the administration to process the situation effectively and humanely.
DHS has recorded record encounters with migrants, which the administration has responded to with humanitarian assistance and increased enforcement.

Critics also say it was the messaging on immigration from this administration that inadvertently invited more people to make dangerous journeys to the U.S. Supporters argue that the surge represents larger challenges in the region-from Central American economic instability and violence-whose root causes the administration says it is trying to address through diplomatic engagement and aid.

The Biden administration immigration policy receives a number of varied responses among the population. Many citizens are for a more humanitarian dealing with immigration; at the same time, many feel this will create security risks and mismanagement of resources.
The electorate is divided indeed, polls show, some supporting pathways to citizenship and others supporting secure borders.

Immigration policy has big political consequences. With the midterm elections looming, the Democratic Party has ample reason to know immigration could prove a deciding factor. Border mismanagement-to the degree it may be perceived could cost them critical districts. Pressure would then be on the administration to walk a tightrope between progressive ambitions on the issue and constituent anxieties centered around security.

The Biden administration will continue to grapple with the complexities of immigration reform-with an uncertain road forward. It is domestic politics, public opinion, and issues of humanitarian obligation that now drive what happens next on immigration policy in the United States. For the administration, the prospect of meaningful reform may depend on a collaborative approach-engaging both parties through constructive dialogue in forging a more effective and humane immigration system.

The immigration policies of the Biden administration are very different from those in the past; they represent an approach that is more humane and inclusive. Issues border management, legislative stand-offs, and fluctuating public opinion will all pose major hurdles for the administration to take on.
Looking ahead, the outcomes are likely to shape the future of millions who want a better life in the United States.