Trump’s borderline growth is working. Here are 5 things that could happen next

President Donald J. Trump wasted no time in fulfilling his long-standing promises suppression of illegal immigration, sending a clear and strong message to those crossing the border: don’t try, you’ll be sent back. During his first few days in office, Trump’s actions stood in stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s open invitation in 2016 for would-be migrants around the world to “jump to the border.”

Under the previous administration, Biden’s Border Czar, Vice President Kamala Harris said during a visit to Guatemala: “Don’t come.” They came anyway, ignoring her empty rhetoric and looking at the open arms at the border.

Soon, the number of border crossings rose to record levels, overwhelming the Border Patrol, endangering national security and putting American lives at risk.

TROOPS START ARRIVING AT US-MEXICO BORDER IN TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA TO FIGHT MIGRANT CRISIS

The first days of Trump’s return to office show the power of action. One of the most immediate consequences of Trump’s border policy has been a sharp reduction in illegal crossings. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources, the number of encounters at points of entry – international airports and official border crossings – dropped by 97% by the second day of the Trump administration. Overall, the number of encounters at the southern border decreased by 35% when comparing the last three days of the Biden administration to the first three days of the Trump presidency.

U.S. Marines work along the southern border with the U.S. Border Patrol, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (Provided by a senior Trump administration official)

The numbers speak for themselves.

During the last three full days of the Biden administration, the number of migrants at ports of entry averaged 1,645 per day. By comparison, in the three days after President Trump’s inauguration, port-of-entry appointments fell to less than 500 per day from just 44 by 8 p.m. on Jan. 22 after Trump canceled the CBPOne app within 15 minutes of taking the oath of office. office

During the Biden administration, the app was touted as a “legal pathway” for nearly 1 million migrants to enter the United States. However, critics have argued that it undermines border controls by providing an easy-to-use entry mechanism. By rescinding the app, Trump has restored control of the border, closing a loophole that has been a magnet for illegal crossings.

In addition to ending the CBPOne program, the Trump administration has begun restoring tried-and-tested policies like the Remain in Mexico program, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. This policy not only prevents fraudulent asylum claims, but also reduces the strain on US resources and infrastructure.

In addition, the administration has prioritized ending “catch and release” and increasing the repatriation of criminal illegal aliens — even enlisting the U.S. military to bring deportees home. These measures send a clear signal that America is once again serious about enforcing its immigration laws and protecting its borders.

Trump’s success at the border will have further consequences. Here are five to watch:

1. Constant reduction of illegal crossing attempts

Strong actions taken by the Trump administration are likely to deter future attempts at illegal infiltration. Migrants and people smugglers acknowledge that the political environment has changed, making it much more difficult to cross the border illegally. Success leads to success.

2. Cartel adaptation

Mexican criminal drug and human trafficking cartels and their allies in the Mexican government are undoubtedly adjusting their tactics. Redoubled efforts to intimidate and bribe US and local officials will be used to re-establish smuggling channels. The Trump administration, especially the newly strengthened FBI led by Director-designate Kesh Patel, must remain vigilant to counter these evolving threats.

On January 22, 2025, ICE-ERO New York arrested Jose Roberto Rodriguez-Urbin, a 22-year-old citizen of El Salvador. Rodriguez is an alleged member of the MS13 gang and is also the subject of an Interpol Red Notice from El Salvador for the crime of extortion. (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

3. Reaction of the Mexican government

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mexican government has already begun to adjust to the new reality of Trump’s leadership, launching the “Mexico te abraza” program on Jan. 20 — Mexico embraces you — to welcome repatriated Mexican citizens. The program, with a new mobile app, is a response to rumors of massive ICE workplace raids. Mexican nationals returning home via “Mexico te abraza” will receive a debit card with approximately $90. USA to pay for shipping home.

4. Adjustment of the labor market

Certain industries, such as agriculture and hospitality, may face labor shortages due to reduced illegal immigration. This could lead to upward pressure on wages, which could benefit American workers, albeit with some inflationary effects in the short term.

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5. Development of automation

In the long term, industries suffering from labor shortages are likely to turn to automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet demand. Historical examples, such as the mechanization of tomato picking in California in the 1960s following a labor shortage, demonstrate how innovation can compensate for declining labor supply.

In 1961, 25 mechanical harvesters harvested 0.5% of California’s tomato crop. Only nine years later, 99.9% of California’s tomato crop was mechanically harvested. Investments in automation will reduce reliance on migrant labor while increasing efficiency—and the machines don’t receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits, and they don’t overload emergency rooms.

Mexican criminal drug and human trafficking cartels and their allies in the Mexican government are undoubtedly adjusting their tactics. Redoubled efforts to intimidate and bribe US and local officials will be used to re-establish smuggling channels.

Trump’s rapid success in curbing illegal immigration is a testament to the effectiveness of strong, decisive leadership.

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His first actions — from canceling CBPOne to reinstating policies like Remain in Mexico — mark a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s open arms toward illegal immigrants and criminals from around the world.

As border crossings plummet and America’s immigration system takes control again, it’s clear that there’s a new sheriff in town who is committed to putting America’s security and sovereignty first.

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