San Ysidro, California – The landscape along California’s southernmost border is experiencing a noticeable shift as migrant crossings have slowed to a near halt. A year ago, the border area near San Ysidro was flooded with migrants, forcing humanitarian organizations like the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to erect elaborate tent setups to provide food, clothing, and medical supplies. Today, those same tents are being dismantled, with no migrants in sight for over a month.
The dramatic drop in border arrivals follows the Biden administration’s decision in May 2023 to end a pandemic-era policy that rapidly expelled migrants. In the lead-up to this policy change, a surge of migrants arrived at the border, overwhelming shelters and prompting groups like AFSC to ramp up their aid efforts. But with fewer crossings, aid workers are now shifting their focus to other populations in need.
Adriana Jasso, who coordinates the U.S.-Mexico program for the Service Committee, recalls the frenzy of last spring when migrants were arriving in large numbers. “This was the first time we took on this level of providing humanitarian aid,” Jasso said. “But now, it’s the closing of an experience — for now. Life can be unpredictable.”…