A Harvard CAPS-Harris survey finds many Americans believe elected Democrats are keeping the southern U.S. border open. Yet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data suggests that border crossings have reached a three-year low.

The CAPS-Harris poll surveyed 2,090 registered voters between June 28 and 30, 2024. Participants were asked, “Do you think the border today is secure, or are Democrats essentially keeping the border open?” 

More than two-thirds (67%) said Democrats are “keeping the border open,” with 33% believing the southern border is secure. Along party lines, 61% of Democrats believe the border is secure, with a mere 11% of Republicans agreeing.

The June 2024 monthly CBP update revealed that border-crossing apprehensions decreased by 29% between May and June. This represented a 50% drop in the seven-day average since President Biden’s proclamation on June 24 that certain noncitizens would be barred entry at the southern border.

The number of unaccompanied children, both at points of entry and along the border, decreased by 14% between May and June. Single adult and family unit crossings decreased by 28% and 36%, respectively.

The total number of border crossings in June was the lowest since January 2021. If you count crossings at points of entry, the June numbers are the lowest since June 2019.

The Harvard CAPS-Harris poll has been conducted monthly since February 2017. Results can be found here. Also, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency releases monthly updates, which can be found here.