The United States border crisis has been one of the most controversial topics in the nation over the past few years. Record numbers of migrants have been entering the United States through the southern border. A recent study by Customs and Border Patrol shows that there were 199,976 “land border encounters” in July alone. Democrats have been grappling with how to decrease the amount of illegal border crossings. Republicans, meanwhile, have turned it into a top Midterm issue, repeatedly faulting Democrats for having an “open border policy.”

Last week, tensions between Republicans and Democrats reached a boiling point when Florida governor Ron DeSantis decided to bus approximately 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard. The small, mostly Democratic town was given no advance notice of the arrival. Many migrants who spoke with NBC News also said that they were not given any information about where they would be traveling. DeSantis has repeatedly justified his actions by claiming that the entire country needs to bear the consequences of the border crisis. He said, in part, “every community in America should be sharing the burdens. It shouldn’t all fall on a handful of red states.” 

The Martha’s Vineyard community responded adequately to the situation, with various community leaders offering assistance to the migrants. They were provided with essential services, including food, water and shelter. When their time on the island ended, they were grateful, repeatedly thanking the community for their support and guidance. 

Martha’s Vineyard is not the only community dealing with the consequences of the current migrant crisis. New York City has been thrown into the national spotlight because of the large influx of migrants coming from the Southern border. However, the context of the situation is drastically different than that of MA. Instead of only being forced, many migrants are coming on their own. New York City has many opportunities for migrants, such as “shelter and work.”

Various migrants who were interviewed by the New York newspaper The City say that their goal has always been to settle in New York City after coming to the US. One individual named Franklin told The City that “since [he] was a kid, [he’d] always dreamt of New York.” Many migrants hope that they will have the ability to start a new life in New York City instead of being flown to different portions of the country. 

Not all migrants have been coming to New York on their own free will, however. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also sent many to New York via bus over the past few days. A fierce critic of President Biden’s immigration policies, Abbott has agreed with DeSantis that the entire country should bear the responsibilities of a so-called “broken immigration system.” The Office of the Texas Governor website has repeatedly claimed that the Biden Administration has “ignored and denied the historic crisis at our southern border,” therefore justifying their reasoning to send more migrants.  

Either way, many migrants feel caught in the middle of an immigration system that has become extremely complex. They are trying to begin a new life in the United States and flee violence in other nations. Recent studies have shown that the political divide has carried over into the general population. A recent Gallup study shows that just “27% of Americans think that immigration should be increased.”

The current crisis at the border is sure to be one of the most controversial topics during this year’s midterm elections. Democrats are hoping to rally support behind their followers who believe in immigrant citizenship. Republicans, on the other hand, are basing their claims on the record number of border crossings this year, hoping to promote policies that make the southern border less chaotic and more secure.