Record immigration and low crossings complicate ‘escape’ narrative

In 2024–2025 the U.S. reached 53.3 million foreign-born residents (15.8%) while May 2025 border encounters fell 93% to 8,725. Public support rose—79% view immigration positively. Terminating CBP One may redirect migrants to between-port crossings; immigrants, mixed-status families, and employers must keep documents current and plan legal steps.

VisaVerge.com
Key takeaways

Foreign-born population hit 53.3 million (15.8%) in early 2025, up 8.3 million since 2021.
Southwest border encounters dropped 93% in May 2025 to 8,725; interior releases fell to zero.
July 2025 Gallup: 79% say immigration helps; only 30% want reduced immigration, down from 55%.

Here’s the update that matters right now: recent data from 2024–2025 shows the United States is not a country people are racing to leave. Instead, America is seeing record immigration, calmer public opinion, and a sharp drop in illegal crossings in 2025. Internal moves inside the country are slower, but people who do move tend to head to the South for lower costs and jobs. Policy shifts—especially the removal of a key asylum scheduling tool—could change future border numbers, so it’s wise to keep an eye on what happens next.

What changed in 2024–2025

Record immigration and low crossings complicate ‘escape’ narrative
Record immigration and low crossings complicate ‘escape’ narrative
  • The foreign-born share of the U.S. population hit an all-time high in early 2025, reaching 53.3 million people, or 15.8% of the population. That total includes both lawful immigrants and people who entered without authorization. Since 2021, the foreign-born population grew by 8.3 million, including an estimated 5.4 million unauthorized immigrants.

  • Public opinion moved in a more welcoming direction. A July 2025 Gallup poll found only 30% of Americans want immigration reduced, down from 55% in 2024, and 79% now say immigration helps the country. Support has grown for legalization paths for undocumented people.

  • Southwest border encounters fell dramatically in May 2025—down 93% from May 2024—with 8,725 encounters reported. Releases of migrants into the interior fell from 62,000 in May 2024 to zero in May 2025. Officials credit improved operations. That said, the phase-out of the CBP One app—a tool that let migrants set asylum appointments—could push some people back toward crossing between ports later.

  • Fewer Americans are moving overall. In 2025, 87.9% stayed put. Those who moved often chose Southern states like Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Georgia, where homes cost less and jobs are growing. This shows people are adjusting within the country rather than trying to leave it.

What this means for immigrants, families, and employers

For newcomers
– America remains a major draw: a record share of residents are foreign-born and the debate around immigration is softening.
– This creates space for more stable planning, though rules at the border and asylum processing can change quickly with each administration.

For mixed-status families
– A gentler public mood can reduce fear, but legal rules still govern work, travel, and benefits.
– Families should keep documents current and get legal advice before travel or status changes, because enforcement tools and court backlogs remain real.

For employers
Hiring foreign talent may be more accepted publicly, but the legal process is unchanged.
– If you rely on work visas or employment-based green cards, plan early and expect compliance checks.

For border communities
– Fewer crossings ease pressure on local services.
– But removing the CBP One appointment system could bring new strain if more people try to cross between ports later in the year.

Why the “people want to escape” claim falls short

  • Record counts of foreign-born residents suggest the opposite: people are still coming to America, both lawfully and without papers, to live, work, and join family.
  • Polling moved toward seeing immigration as helpful, not harmful. If people were eager to leave, public mood would likely be very different.
  • Moves inside the country point to economic decisions—finding cheaper homes and jobs—rather than a wish to leave the United States.

The policy backdrop you should watch

  • Enforcement tightened in ways that sharply cut illegal crossings in 2025. Officials reported a 93% year-over-year drop in May encounters and no interior releases in May 2025.
  • The CBP One app was ended under the current administration. Experts warn removing this orderly channel could push more people toward attempts to cross between ports.
  • Congress has not passed broad immigration reforms. That leaves most changes to executive action and agency policy—which can shift quickly and affect daily life for foreign-born workers, students, and families.

If lawful channels exist and work, the border often calms. When channels close and no alternative opens, pressure builds.

How public opinion shapes policy pressure

  • With 79% saying immigration benefits the country, policymakers often feel less pressure for harsh crackdowns and more room for work visas or legalization talks.
  • When only 30% want lower immigration, there’s less momentum for large-scale deportation proposals. Enforcement continues, but the political heat around it is reduced.

Practical implications for common immigrant paths

Family-based immigration
– Demand remains strong and visa backlogs persist. Expect waits in capped categories.
– Keep civil documents ready and current.

Employment-based immigration
– Employers continue to rely on foreign-born talent across sectors.
– Petition timelines, prevailing wage rules, and compliance checks still apply—plan early.

Humanitarian pathways
– The end of CBP One increases uncertainty for asylum seekers at the border.
– Policies on credible fear interviews, detention, and alternatives affect case timing. Follow court notices closely.

Students and researchers
– The U.S. remains an academic magnet. Visa rules emphasize full-time study, proof of funds, and intent consistent with the program.
– STEM fields remain in demand, but post-graduation employment requires careful planning and status maintenance.

A closer look at the border numbers and what could come next

  • The 93% drop in illegal crossings in May 2025—to 8,725 encounters—reflects strong enforcement and a short period of order.
  • Removing a scheduling tool like CBP One without a replacement often sends people to other routes, such as crossing between ports, which would strain Border Patrol and local towns again.
  • The lesson: orderly, lawful channels reduce chaotic crossings; closing them without alternatives increases pressure.

The economy and the foreign-born workforce

  • Immigrants pay taxes, support Social Security, and open businesses. They work in care, construction, tech, farming, hospitality, and health.
  • Sudden policy swings can harm local economies—employers lose staff, families lose income, towns lose customers.
  • A record 15.8% foreign-born share in early 2025 means more mixed-status households, more bilingual classrooms, and stronger global neighborhood links.
  • Communities that match stable rules with accessible services see better outcomes.

Inside the numbers: who is moving and why

  • Mobility slowed: 87.9% stayed put in 2025. High mortgage rates, rents, and moving costs are factors.
  • Among movers, many headed to the South—Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia—for cheaper housing and growing job markets.
  • Employers in receiving states should expect diverse applicants and plan for language access, workforce training, and school support.

How the political environment affects families day to day

  • Shifts between administrations change agency tone and enforcement focus, affecting how safe people feel going to work, school, or court.
  • Keep records clean, avoid arrests, and attend all court dates.
  • Undocumented people should consult qualified attorneys before travel, even within the U.S., because checkpoints and local cooperation vary.
  • If you have legal status, check expiring documents early and renew work permits well ahead of time.

What to watch over the next year

  • Will border numbers stay low without the CBP One app? If not, expect higher between-port encounters and tighter enforcement.
  • Will Congress act on work visas or legalization? Legislative action could change backlogs and processing targets.
  • Will public opinion remain positive? Sustained support could open room for lawful pathways and less disruptive enforcement moves.

Guidance for families and individuals planning next steps

  1. Keep a simple document kit: IDs, birth certificates, marriage records, court papers, proof of entry or parole. Make copies and store them safely.
  2. Track case numbers and deadlines. Missed biometrics or interviews can derail a case.
  3. If seeking asylum, stay in contact with your legal representative and keep your address updated with the court.
  4. For employment options, speak with HR or an immigration attorney early—prevailing wage checks and petition prep take time.

Employer tips for a stable workforce

  • Start employment-based cases early, especially when PERM is required.
  • Offer relocation support when hiring into southern metros (housing advice, school info, transport).
  • Maintain I-9 compliance without discrimination; reverify only when required.

Community-level actions that help everyone

  • Local clinics and schools offering translation and simple forms help families stay healthy and engaged.
  • Libraries providing English and digital skills shorten the time to employment success.
  • City programs connecting workers to driver’s education, child care, and job training improve safety and earnings for the whole town.
  • Work authorization: Many need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while a case is pending or after certain approvals. Apply early to avoid gaps.
  • Travel: Leaving without proper permission can end a case. Advance parole is needed in many situations—consult an attorney first.
  • Court: Always show up to hearings. Missing court can lead to a removal order, even if your case had strong facts.

Official resources that help you track changes

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official statistics page — monthly border data and enforcement trends.
  • Gallup social series — polling on public attitudes toward immigration.
  • University institutes and think tanks — research on immigrant contributions and local economic impacts.

Real-world examples people face today

  • A Honduran father who entered in 2024 with a CBP One appointment now worries that his sister has no appointment path; without a clear port process she may try to cross between ports.
  • A Georgia nursing home sponsors a foreign-born nurse for a visa while partnering with a local training program to fill immediate roles during the visa wait.
  • A mixed-status family in North Carolina keeps copies of birth records, tax filings, school letters, and proof of continuous presence to better consult lawyers and avoid scams.

How to think about “America” in this moment

  • America remains a place many choose for family safety, jobs, and education—the record-high foreign-born share shows that.
  • The 2025 drop in illegal crossings shows operations and policy choices can bring order. But removing tools that help people line up at ports can undo some of that order if no other lawful paths open.
  • People inside the country aren’t rushing for the exits; they’re mainly moving to cheaper, growing regions to build a life—movement toward opportunity, not away from it.

Key takeaways you can act on today

  • Keep documents current and contact details updated with USCIS or the court. Show up for every appointment.
  • If considering asylum, stay informed on port procedures and get legal help.
  • Employers: plan several months ahead for foreign hires; align start dates and review housing options where needed.
  • Community leaders: invest in language access, job training, and simple service guides to lower stress and help integration.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, communities that combine stable rules with accessible services see better outcomes. When rules are clear and services accessible, newcomers integrate faster and contribute more.

Final thought: the big picture in mid-2025 doesn’t support the idea that America is a place people are desperate to leave. The country has a record number of foreign-born residents, calmer public views, and a period of lower illegal crossings—though the removal of a key digital appointment tool could change the border picture later. People aren’t fleeing the country; they’re moving within it to places with better housing and jobs. Focus on the basics: know the rules, keep your records, plan early, and use trusted information. For official enforcement figures and updates, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s public statistics page is the most reliable place to start.

VisaVerge.com
Learn Today

Foreign-born → Individuals residing in the U.S. who were born in another country, lawful or unauthorized.
CBP One → A CBP scheduling app that allowed migrants to request asylum appointments at ports of entry.
Interior releases → Authorities’ practice of releasing migrants into the U.S. interior instead of detaining them.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → Official card granting temporary work authorization to eligible noncitizens during certain immigration processes.
PERM → The Labor Department process certifying no qualified U.S. workers are available for an offered job.

This Article in a Nutshell

Record immigration and calmer public opinion marked 2024–2025: 53.3 million foreign-born residents and a 93% drop in May border encounters, yet ending CBP One could reverse gains, so migrants, families, employers, and communities should prepare by keeping documents updated and planning legal strategies early.
— By VisaVerge.com
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Robert Pyne
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Robert Pyne, a Professional Writer at VisaVerge.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling ability to the team. Specializing in long-form articles and in-depth analyses, Robert's writing offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of immigration and global travel. His work not only informs but also engages readers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the topics that matter most in the world of travel and immigration.
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