Illegal Crossings at U.S.-Mexico Border Drop to Lowest Level Since 1970s
Impact Score: 1.8
Timeline: N/A — No specific implementation deadlines or directives identified.
Summary: Illegal border crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen to the lowest annual level since the early 1970s, with nearly 238,000 apprehensions reported in fiscal year 2025, a sharp decline from 2.2 million in 2022. This significant improvement is attributed to President Donald J. Trump’s enforcement policies. The change impacts Vanderbilt University through potential shifts in immigration policies affecting international students, visa processing challenges, and campus diversity. Related university programs such as International Student and Scholar Services, Diversity and Inclusion, Law School, and Latin American Studies may see increased demand and opportunities for research and policy engagement.
Key Actions: Vanderbilt should monitor immigration policy changes, support international students with legal resources, expand research on immigration impacts, and develop partnerships related to border security and immigration policy.
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