What measures did the US take to address immigration in the 2000s?

In the 2000s, the US implemented stricter border controls, increased deportations, and attempted comprehensive immigration reform.

The United States, in the 2000s, took several measures to address immigration, primarily focusing on border security and law enforcement. The government significantly increased funding for border control agencies, such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This led to the construction of more border fences and the deployment of additional border patrol agents. The use of technology, such as drones and surveillance systems, was also expanded to monitor the border more effectively.

In addition to strengthening border security, the US government also ramped up efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. The number of deportations rose dramatically during this period, particularly under the Obama administration. This was partly due to the implementation of the Secure Communities programme in 2008, which allowed local law enforcement to check the immigration status of individuals they arrested. Those found to be in the country illegally could then be handed over to ICE for deportation.

Attempts were also made to reform the immigration system comprehensively. In 2006 and 2007, President George W. Bush pushed for legislation that would have provided a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, while also strengthening border security. However, these efforts were met with strong opposition and ultimately failed to pass in Congress. Similarly, the DREAM Act, which would have granted legal status to certain undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children, was introduced several times during the 2000s but did not become law until 2012.

Despite these measures, the number of undocumented immigrants in the US continued to rise during the early 2000s, peaking at around 12 million in 2007. This was due to a variety of factors, including the economic downturn in Mexico and Central America, which pushed many people to seek better opportunities in the US. The increased border security measures also had the unintended effect of encouraging undocumented immigrants to stay in the US permanently, as they feared they would not be able to return if they left.