Overview

• The Biden administration's 'safe mobility offices' program, designed to streamline the U.S. refugee process and discourage dangerous journeys north, has seen 3,000 refugees arrive in the U.S., with 9,000 approved.
• Despite the new program, illegal border crossings continue at a high rate, with more than 10,000 arrests for illegal crossing per day over several days in December.
• Republicans are pushing for more restrictive policies to reduce asylum protections, using potential aid to Ukraine as leverage.
• Migrants arriving through the safe mobility initiative are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S., unlike those who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border and ask for asylum, who often wait years for a court date without work authorization.
• Critics of the safe mobility initiative say it needs work, as it can be confusing, isn't well advertised, and isn't open to enough people.