All articles tagged with #border crossings
President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, unless Canada addresses a long list of grievances and compensates the United States, highlighting ongoing bilateral strains as the cross-border project—funded by Canada with a Canada–Michigan operating arrangement—faces potential disruption.
The article describes the complex and arduous journey of attempting to travel the world's longest train route from Portugal to Singapore, highlighting the logistical hurdles, route changes, and geopolitical issues that make it a daunting challenge rather than a grand adventure.
The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for the NFL, particularly the Buffalo Bills, in engaging Canadian fans amid geopolitical tensions and anti-American sentiments fueled by Trump's rhetoric, highlighting efforts to strengthen cross-border relations and expand the league's Canadian presence.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opposes President Biden's reported plans to issue an executive order to curb record-setting migrant crossings on the southern border, criticizing it as akin to Trump's policies. Biden's focus on the border comes as public polling shows it as a top concern for voters. Illegal border crossings have broken records during Biden's term, with over 7.2 million crossings, leading to a backlog of immigration court cases. The potential executive order may tighten asylum screening standards and prioritize recent migrant admissions for deportation. Republicans have criticized Biden's border policies, with some calling for the reinstatement of Trump-era measures.
Migrant encounters at the Texas border dropped significantly in January, with Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to secure the border being attributed to the decrease. The drop in crossings in Texas contributed to an overall decrease in migrant encounters across the U.S. border. Abbott's response to the immigration issue has boosted his popularity in Texas, and he continues to allocate resources to diminish migrant encounters, including more wire and National Guard troops. The U.S. Senate recently failed to pass an immigration bill that included provisions for border security and foreign aid, including funds for a border wall.
Border Patrol arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border dropped by 50% in January from record highs in December, with a significant decrease in arrests of Venezuelans. The decline is attributed to seasonal factors and increased enforcement efforts by the U.S. and its allies, particularly Mexico. However, challenges persist, as evidenced by a surge in migrants crossing the Panamanian jungle, primarily consisting of Venezuelans heading to the United States. The Biden administration faces ongoing immigration issues, with House Republicans voting to impeach U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his oversight of the border.
The number of people crossing illegally into the United States from Mexico has decreased by 50 percent in January, providing a glimmer of good news for the Biden administration amid growing pressure over border security. However, this drop does not change the fact that the overall number of crossings during Biden's term has reached record levels. The decrease in crossings is attributed to various factors such as weather patterns, and it has provided some relief for cities grappling with the burden of sheltering migrants.
Border crossings from Canada into upstate New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont reached a record high last year, with more than 12,200 migrants apprehended, double the number from the previous year. The surge is attributed to understaffing, lack of fencing, and lax laws at the northern border, making it an attractive entry point for migrants from various countries. Residents along the border have reported encountering migrants seeking shelter and aid, while some have tragically perished in the harsh conditions. Both the US and Canada are taking measures to address the situation, including increased border patrol and potential policy changes.
New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire have seen a surge in illegal border crossings from Canada, with over 12,200 apprehended in 2023, up from 3,578 in 2022. The Swanton Sector, spanning parts of these states, has become a hotspot for illegal foot traffic due to Canada's lax laws. Smuggling gangs are exploiting desperate asylum seekers, and the sheer size of the U.S.-Canada border makes it difficult to prevent crossings entirely. The crisis has prompted discussions about border security and funding, with concerns raised about the strain on resources and the potential for tragic outcomes for migrants.
Farmers across Europe are protesting low prices for produce, rising costs, and constraints imposed by the European Union's climate change policies. Belgian and Dutch farmers blocked border crossings, Polish farmers threatened to close the Ukraine border, and Greek farmers demanded tax exemptions and faster compensation for flood-related losses. French farmers received government pledges and started dismantling roadblocks, while Spanish and Portuguese farmers also staged protests. The protests highlight the frustration of farmers and their demands for fair treatment and support from their governments.
Illegal border crossings from Mexico hit a record high in December with 249,785 arrests, posing a challenge for President Joe Biden. The numbers fell in January but still remained high. Mexicans accounted for the most arrests, followed by Venezuelans, Guatemalans, Hondurans, and Colombians. Tucson, Arizona, was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, with over 80,000 arrests. The total migrant encounters, including those allowed in through legal pathways, surpassed 300,000 for the first time, leading to concerns over border security and immigration policies.
The U.S. government's new migration program, aimed at providing a legal pathway for refugees and reducing dangerous journeys to the U.S.-Mexico border, has seen early successes with families like the Llanos from Venezuela. The program, which involves collaboration with the U.N., streamlines the refugee process, allowing migrants to avoid perilous crossings and enter the U.S. legally. Despite the program's benefits, border crossings persist, and the initiative faces challenges such as limited awareness and eligibility restrictions. While the program has been praised as a step in the right direction, it is not a comprehensive solution to the broader issue of displacement in the Western Hemisphere.
President Biden spoke with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador about addressing the root causes of migration and potential measures to slow the flow of people through Mexico, as daily illegal border crossings reach all-time records. The Biden administration's efforts to reduce illegal immigration by addressing root causes have not been successful, and the levels of illegal crossings have risen dramatically. The White House's claim that Biden has done everything he can on his own to secure the border has drawn criticism from House Republicans. The administration is seeking additional funding for border operations and care of migrants. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a law allowing state police to arrest people who illegally enter from Mexico, despite prior Supreme Court rulings.
Union Pacific is urging the reopening of two key border crossings in Texas that have been closed due to the migrant crisis, warning that the continued closures will severely impact cross-border trade, especially during the holiday season. The company states that these crossings represent 45% of their cross-border business and include goods critical to the U.S. economy. Union Pacific is in close communication with government agencies and customers, emphasizing the need for immediate reopening. The closures have forced the company to embargo customers' goods on over 60 trains, affecting agricultural products, automotive parts, and consumer goods. Talks are ongoing in Washington about policy changes to secure funding for border security.
Texas has passed one of the toughest immigration laws in modern times, making border crossings illegal and punishable with jail time. The law allows local and state police officers to stop and arrest anyone suspected of crossing the border illegally, with punishments ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Immigrants rights groups have sued Texas to stop the law's enforcement, arguing that it is unconstitutional and burdensome to local governments. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has vowed to challenge the law, while the White House has stated that the federal government is responsible for determining how and when to remove noncitizens for violating immigration laws. Border and immigration issues have become a political headache for President Biden, with a record high of 2.4 million migrant "encounters" registered at the US-Mexico border in the 2022 fiscal year.