Assessing the Impact of Biden's Migrant Policies on the Southern Border

The Biden administration's "processing centers" in Central and South America, aimed at allowing migrants to apply for legal entry to the U.S. without making the dangerous journey to the southern border, have yet to successfully facilitate legal travel. The centers, now called "Safe Mobility Offices," have not seen any migrants approved for refugee status or other protections. The administration has shifted its focus to online portals instead of brick-and-mortar centers, which has raised concerns among international NGOs. The lack of progress in providing legal pathways may lead to increased illegal border crossings. The existing offices in Guatemala, Colombia, and Costa Rica have registered thousands of migrants, but no numbers have been given on how many have qualified for resettlement. Negotiations with other countries to open more offices have been hindered by concerns about encouraging foreign nationals to pass through their territory.