During an engaging segment on ABC's "This Week," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faced pointed questions about the progress and challenges of U.S. immigration policies.

ABC host Martha Raddatz questioned DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration at the southern border, challenging the effectiveness of their efforts and whether crossings would decrease.

According to the Daily Caller, Alejandro Mayorkas addressed the challenges of managing asylum requests under a new executive order initiated by President Joe Biden.

He explained U.S. immigration policies and the current issues at the southern border, highlighting the need for congressional support.

The central topic revolved around a June 4, 2024, executive order that plays a crucial role in the U.S.'s approach to managing the influx of migrants.

This presidential mandate outlines stipulations to pause new asylum requests if a seven-day average of 2,500 crossings occurs, resuming only when the numbers decrease to a 1,500 average.

Comparing Past and Present Border Conditions

Secretary Mayorkas recalled his 2021 appearance on the same program, where he expressed optimism about managing border security effectively.

However, ABC host Martha Raddatz highlighted the arrival of 6.5 million migrants since that interview, challenging Mayorkas on the apparent lack of improvement.

Despite the criticism, Mayorkas defended the administration’s efforts, explaining that migration patterns are dynamic and influenced by global factors.

He specifically referenced the period following the lift of Title 42 in May 2023, noting that their strategies had success in initially reducing migrant numbers despite fluctuations.

Urgent Call for Congressional Action

Another significant obstacle discussed was the stalled congressional action on a border bill. Proposed in February 2024, the bill aimed to bolster security but faced opposition due to security concerns raised by Republican senators.

Mayorkas emphasized the indispensability of legislative support to adequately resource the departments tasked with handling immigration and border security.

During his interview, Mayorkas repeatedly underscored the complexity of immigration issues. He pointed out that solving them is not solely within the administrative domain but requires a combination of international cooperation and comprehensive congressional legislation.

Lasting Solutions through International Cooperation

Secretary Mayorkas also elaborated on the operational aspects of the executive order. He noted the essential role of international cooperation in the successful implementation of border management strategies. His discussions with other countries aimed to facilitate a collaborative response to the migration challenges.

Additionally, he addressed the issue of migrants potentially exploiting the asylum system. This candid acknowledgment came during a CBS interview in May 2024, where he stressed that while many seek asylum legitimately, there are instances of system abuse.

Efficiency in Asylum Case Management

Reflecting on past measures to manage asylum cases, Mayorkas revealed a significant reduction in pending cases. Over 350,000 asylum cases were reportedly closed in 2022 if the migrant in question had no criminal record and wasn’t considered a threat, indicating a strategic approach to reduce the backlog.

This “mass amnesty” program, as it was termed, represented a part of broader administration efforts to streamline and expedite the handling of cases, thereby reducing pressure on the system and enabling focus on more complex or high-risk cases.

Conclusion on Border Management Efforts

In summary, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the Biden administration’s handling of immigration policies on ABC’s “This Week.” He emphasized the dynamic nature of global migration, the critical role of congressional support, and the necessity of international cooperation. The discussion highlighted both the successes and ongoing challenges in managing border security and asylum requests effectively.