The number of migrants unlawfully crossing the US southern border has seen a significant decline for the fifth month in a row, according to official data. Figures obtained by CBS News, a partner of the BBC, reveal that in July, US Border Patrol agents apprehended approximately 56,000 migrants along the border, marking the lowest recorded figure since September 2020.

This decline is a stark contrast to December, where around 250,000 migrants were caught crossing the border. President Joe Biden's administration attributes this decrease to recent actions taken to address illegal immigration, which has been a political vulnerability for the Democrats in an election year.

One of the key measures enacted by President Biden includes an executive order signed last month. This order enables US immigration officials to deport migrants without processing their asylum claims. Although criticized by some left-wing members of the Democratic party as one of the most restrictive border policies in recent history, the president vowed that this action would allow the government to regain control of the border, stating that "doing nothing is not an option."

Notably, even before the implementation of the executive order, government data indicates that the number of migrants stopped at the US-Mexico border had already been decreasing. In February, Border Patrol recorded approximately 141,000 apprehensions, which steadily declined to 137,000 in March, 129,000 in April, 118,000 in May, and went even lower to 84,000 in June.

It is important to mention that these figures do not include official border crossings, where the Biden administration has been processing an average of 1,500 migrants daily through a smartphone app that schedules appointments between migrants and US border agents.

On the Mexican side of the border, officials have also been proactive in curbing illegal migration, implementing measures to prevent people from attempting to cross into US territory.

The situation at the US southern border has been a significant concern for the Biden administration, particularly as the November election approaches. President Biden has faced consistent criticism from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, who accused him of surrendering the southern border.

In response, President Biden accused the Trump camp of engaging in an "extremely cynical political move," pressuring Republican lawmakers to block a proposed border plan in Congress earlier this year. This exchange between the two sides has led to heightened tensions, the likes of which have not been seen since the Cold War.

Overall, the consistent decline in unlawful crossings along the US southern border reflects the impact of President Biden's actions to tackle illegal immigration. While the issue remains a political challenge, these efforts aim to regain control of the border and address the concerns surrounding it.