Quick Hit:

Migrants are crossing the border now in fear that President Biden may lose re-election and Donald Trump will restore stringent border policies. Migrants like Colombian brothers Ricardo and Sebastian are rushing to the U.S. to avoid Trump's promised crackdown, according to a report in the New York Post.

Key Details:

• Migrants fear Trump’s election could lead to a closed border and mass deportations.

• Nearly 7 million migrants have entered the U.S. illegally since Biden took office.

• Recent polls show a majority of Americans disapprove of Biden’s handling of immigration.

Diving Deeper:

In Yuma, Arizona, a noticeable influx of migrants is crossing the border, driven by the fear that President Joe Biden might lose the upcoming November election. Many believe a victory for Donald Trump would result in a significant tightening of border policies and mass deportations.

Colombian brothers Ricardo, 20, and Sebastian, 18, exemplify this trend. They recently crossed the Arizona border illegally, seeking asylum from threats in Colombia. "We think with the elections, it will be harder," Ricardo told the NY Post. "We don’t want Trump," added Sebastian, expressing a common sentiment among many migrants.

The brothers were processed by Border Patrol agents and released to a local aid group in Yuma, where they awaited transportation to their mother in New Jersey. Their first asylum hearing is scheduled for October, months before the crucial election.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has promised to undertake the "largest mass deportation effort" in U.S. history if he is re-elected. This stance has led to a surge of migrants trying to enter the country before any potential policy changes. Since Biden took office in January 2021, nearly 7 million migrants have been recorded entering the U.S. illegally, with an additional 1.7 million evading arrest.

Biden's administration has struggled with public approval on immigration, with recent polls showing 56% of Americans disapprove of his handling of border security. Despite efforts such as a new expedited asylum adjudication process and potential executive orders to limit daily crossings, the administration has been unable to stem the tide.

The U.S. southern border remains heavily fortified, and states like Texas are actively engaging in their own enforcement measures. However, the numbers of migrants continue to swell due to various factors, including seasonal migration patterns, and crises caused by war, poverty, and climate change.

The Darién Gap in Panama, a notorious 100-mile-long jungle, serves as a critical indicator of migration flows. Despite its dangers, it remains a key route for migrants, particularly from Venezuela, attempting to reach the U.S.

Texas has also ramped up its border enforcement, with initiatives like Operation Lone Star, deploying the National Guard, and installing razor wire along the Rio Grande. While these measures have had some impact, analysts suggest that overall migration numbers will likely continue to rise.

As the election nears, the Biden administration faces an uphill battle in managing border security and addressing the concerns of both migrants and the American public. The political landscape and potential policy shifts will undoubtedly influence the decisions of countless individuals seeking refuge and opportunity in the United States.