What's happened
Over two million migrants have attempted to cross the US-Mexico border in the past year, marking a record figure.
Why it matters
The record number of migrants at the US-Mexico border is a significant and politically contentious issue. It poses logistical, humanitarian, and political challenges for the Biden administration, especially as the midterm elections approach. The spike in migration highlights the need for a better asylum system and comprehensive immigration reform.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans are among the migrants heading towards the US due to the country's job market and President Biden's promises on immigration policies. The Guardian proposes a 'Statue of Liberty Plan' to make the US the most welcoming country for migrants and refugees. BBC News highlights the reasons behind the spike in migration, including failing Communist regimes and pandemic-related economic issues. Axios provides data on the increasing encounters between border officials and migrants, while The New York Times mentions the efforts of Republican governors to transport migrants to Democratic areas to highlight border issues.
How we got here
The number of migrants attempting to cross the US-Mexico border has been steadily increasing, with over two million migrants detained in the past year. This has become a politically contentious issue, with Republicans using it as a campaign message and the Biden administration trying to address the border challenges.
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