U.S. Migrant Backlog Projected to Hit 8 Million by October 2024
The anticipated surge, marking a 167% increase since 2019, is attributed to ongoing challenges at the southern border and changes in immigration policies.
- The Biden administration predicts the number of migrants living in the U.S. with uncertain legal status will reach 8 million by October, doubling since 2019.
- Over 8 million people have crossed the border illegally into the U.S. since President Biden took office, reversing previous restrictive measures.
- The immigration court system faces further backlog, with asylum seekers given court dates years into the future.
- An estimated 2 million of the 8 million are considered 'high-priority cases,' including those with deportation orders or pending criminal charges.
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been criticized for the handling of the border situation, amid calls for his resignation.