In 2025, the number of people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border dropped significantly due to enhanced security measures and stricter immigration enforcement. A major factor behind the decline was the return of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. immigration courts. This shift, along with faster case handling and more deportations, has led many migrants to reconsider whether to attempt the journey at all.

Stronger border enforcement continues to play a key role in discouraging unauthorized crossings. Policies like Title 42, which cites public health concerns to expel migrants quickly, are still being used. Many migrants cite long asylum wait times and fears for their safety—either in transit or in Mexico—as reasons they ultimately choose to return to their home countries.

U.S.-Mexico cooperation has also been critical. In 2025, Mexico deployed troops to its own southern border to help stem the flow of migrants before they reach the United States. Experts say this kind of joint action sends a strong signal: border control is tightening, and the journey north is increasingly uncertain.

While these policies have succeeded in reducing border crossings, they’ve also sparked important debates about their human impact. For many migrants, the stricter controls bring serious hardships—disrupted journeys, increased danger, and incredibly difficult decisions about their futures.

The return of “Remain in Mexico,” for example, leaves thousands of asylum seekers stranded in Mexico, often for months, in conditions that can expose them to violence, exploitation, and inadequate access to legal support. Even those who make it to the U.S. face long delays in the asylum process and little clarity about their futures.

The U.S.-Mexico partnership on immigration enforcement also raises deeper questions about shared responsibility. While collaboration is important for border management, it’s equally vital that both countries ensure migrants are treated with fairness, safety, and respect throughout the process.

As the conversation about immigration policy continues, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the human stories behind the statistics. The individuals affected by these rules—many of whom are fleeing violence, poverty, or persecution—often face heartbreaking choices. While maintaining border security is necessary, so too is ensuring that our policies uphold the values of compassion, justice, and human dignity.

In the end, the drop in border crossings may be seen by some as a success, but it comes with a human cost. As the U.S. continues to shape its immigration approach, the well-being and rights of those seeking a safer future must remain central to the discussion.