Migration, the Southern Border, and America’s Polarized Politics: Is There a Way Forward?

This essay examines border migration policies in the context of mainstream political debates in the United States around irregular (undocumented) migration. The debates are taking place amidst a presidential campaign in which border migration is a key and highly contentious issue and has also been the subject of strong and partisan disagreement within the U.S. Congress. The essay reviews U.S. law and recent policies around border migration, highlights practices of other governments toward irregular migrants, and assesses evolving norms and laws. The essay makes clear that there is no singular immediate or transformative solution to this complex issue, which involves social and economic policy, law enforcement, and humanitarianism, all affected by national politics. Nevertheless, progress is still possible. In seeking to achieve substantial objectives around protection and migration management that are politically feasible, the author makes recommendations for political leadership, education and advocacy, regional cooperation in the Americas, expanded opportunities for migrants under U.S. law, and increased resources for management and enforcement.