In Nogales, Mexico, the quiet morning at the Kino Border Initiative migrant shelter is disrupted by the stories of individuals like Paty and Daniel López, who hoped to seek a better future in the United States but were instead met with deportation. Paty, a 32-year-old mother from Oaxaca, Mexico, arrived at the shelter with her daughter in search of a miracle to afford costly medical treatment for her other daughter, who suffers from a rare blood disorder. However, her attempt to cross into the U.S. without authorization ultimately led to her detention and subsequent deportation.

Paty's experience is not unique, as thousands of migrants have found themselves deported instead of being given the opportunity to claim asylum under President Biden's newly implemented executive actions. According to the policy, migrants crossing without authorization, except in exceptional circumstances, will no longer be eligible for asylum and will be swiftly removed from the country. The ban on asylum will remain in effect until the seven-day average of illegal crossings falls below 1,500, with the possibility of reinstatement if the number rises above 2,500. Migrants attempting unauthorized crossings face a potential five-year ban on reentry and potential criminal prosecution as well.

The administration argues that the goal of this policy is to deter illegal migration. However, it remains uncertain whether this approach will be effective. Despite the hurdles, Paty remains undeterred as she intends to pursue an asylum appointment through the CBP One app, one of the legal pathways President Biden has encouraged migrants to use. Nevertheless, the limited availability of appointments, only 1,500 per day, means that many migrants may have to wait for months to secure one.

For Paty, being deported was just one setback among many. If she does not receive a response before June 17, she plans to attempt another method of crossing into the U.S., as directed by the smugglers she had paid $5,000 to. Her situation exemplifies the challenges faced by policies aimed at curbing illegal migration. Data shows that executive orders, similar to President Biden's, tend to lower illegal crossings initially, but the numbers often rise again after a few months. This is primarily due to the persisting root causes of mass migration, such as poverty and violence, which continue to drive desperate individuals like Daniel López from their hometowns.

Daniel López, along with his wife, mother, and two children, arrived at the San Juan Bosco shelter just days before the implementation of Biden's executive order. Unaware that they would be turned back after that date, they now face uncertainty about their next steps. Without financial resources, they are considering returning to their hometown of Puebla, Mexico. López acknowledges the mistake they made by attempting an illegal crossing but explains that it stemmed from desperation for the safety and well-being of their loved ones, driven by the pressing need for food.

These individual stories underscore the complex challenges associated with curbing illegal migration. While executive actions may temporarily reduce illegal crossings, the underlying factors that drive migration, such as poverty and violence, continue to persist. As policymakers strive to address immigration issues, finding comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of migration remains an ongoing challenge.