“UNHEARD OF”: Illegal Border Crossings Plummet to Another New Record Low

8/1/2025

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Action Summary

Record Low Border Crossings: July recorded only 4,598 illegal crossings at the southern border, marking a 24% drop from the previous record low.
Comparative Statistics: Daily average of 148 crossings contrasts with the Biden Administration’s average of 5,110 daily crossings; represents a 97% decrease from July 2022, 96% from July 2023, and 92% from July 2024.
Expert Commentary: Border reporter Bill Melugin emphasized the unprecedented nature of this decline along the nearly 2,000-mile border.
Trump Administration Enforcement: Since President Trump took office, nearly 150,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested, including about 50,000 in the past eight weeks—twice as many as the same period last year.
Policy Justification: Former immigration judge Andrew Arthur noted that the President is fulfilling his promise to remove violent criminals, aligning with public demand for tougher enforcement.

Risks & Considerations

The significant decrease in illegal border crossings and the increase in deportations under the Trump Administration may impact the diversity of the student body at Vanderbilt University, particularly affecting international students and those from immigrant backgrounds.
There is a potential risk of heightened tensions and concerns among the university’s international community, which could affect campus climate and student well-being.
Vanderbilt may need to consider additional support services for students who are directly or indirectly affected by these immigration policies, including legal assistance and counseling services.
The university’s recruitment strategies might need to be adjusted to address potential challenges in attracting and retaining international students, who contribute to the institution’s cultural and academic diversity.

Impacted Programs

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Vanderbilt may experience increased demand for support and guidance as students navigate the complexities of changing immigration policies.
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion might need to enhance its initiatives to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds.
Vanderbilt’s Admissions Office may need to reassess its outreach and recruitment efforts to maintain a diverse and inclusive student body in light of potential changes in immigration patterns.

Financial Impact

The reduction in illegal border crossings and increased deportations could lead to a decrease in the number of international students, potentially impacting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support services for affected students, which could have financial implications for the university.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and initiatives focused on immigration policy and its effects on higher education, potentially through collaborations with federal agencies and non-profit organizations.

Relevance Score: 3 (The changes present moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on student diversity and support services.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor changes in immigration policies and enforcement under the Trump Administration. Understanding these shifts will be crucial for assessing their impact on the university’s international student population and potential changes in student visa policies.
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) should prepare to support international students who may be affected by increased deportation operations. This includes providing legal resources, counseling, and guidance on maintaining visa status.
Vanderbilt’s Law School could explore opportunities to engage in research and advocacy related to immigration law and policy. By contributing to the national conversation on immigration, the Law School can enhance its reputation and influence in this critical area.
The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the broader societal impacts of the administration’s immigration policies. This research can provide valuable insights into how these policies affect community dynamics and long-term economic outcomes.

Opportunities

The current administration’s focus on immigration enforcement presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how immigration policies are shaped and implemented.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on border security by developing new programs and partnerships with organizations working on immigration issues. This could include joint research initiatives, public forums, and collaborative policy development, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the field of immigration studies.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to address potential impacts on international students and engage in immigration policy research.)

Average Relevance Score: 2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – This article is a news update on border crossing statistics and political commentary, not a directive with an implementation deadline.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

United States Border Patrol: As the agency recording the arrests of illegal border crossers, its performance statistics are directly referenced in the report.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Implicated by reference to the Trump Administration’s deportation operations, which target criminals through enforcement actions that often involve ICE.
White House: As the source of the report and a key executive entity, it sets and communicates the broader policy narrative on border security.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Oversees both the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE, positioning it centrally in the administration and evaluation of border security measures.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the report on border security statistics and enforcement.)

Responsible Officials

N/A: There are no explicit directives or implementation responsibilities assigned in the text.

Relevance Score: 1 (The content primarily reports statistics and opinions without mandating actions from specific officials.)