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About Global Migration
Understanding migration means seeing the people behind the policies and the stories beyond the headlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The content on this page is updated regularly.
Latest update: August 2026
What’s Abara currently doing at border with all the changes in the immigration world?
El Paso: Our broader community is doing what it’s always done – see the needs, meet the needs, come together, and protect the dignity of immigrants! We are helping coordinate efforts to get people to shelter and back to their communities once released from detention, gathering folks to pray, visiting those detained, and training those…
What’s currently happening at the U.S.-Mexico border?
June 2026 Click here to read an accurately represented, current report about migration dynamics and conditions at the border. Deportations The trend in deportations from the U.S. has been increasing since 2025. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as of early January 2026, the U.S. government has reported over 605,000 formal deportations since…
What is currently happening with ICE inside the US?
As of April 4, the agency was holding 60,311 people in 203 facilities around the country (USICS, 2026) ICE reports its detained population according to three categories: those with prior criminal convictions those facing criminal charges those with no criminal history. Thus, now the tension is concentrated in the interior of the U.S. with ICE…
What is the current total budget for ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement)?
Through the “Big Beautiful Bill” in 2025, ICE has been granted approximately $75 billion in total supplemental funding, in addition to the $11.3 billion it received for the 2026 Fiscal Year. While this funding is spread across multiple fiscal years rather than allocated as a single-year budget, it provides ICE with unprecedented financial capacity, making…
How did the current administration cut off access to asylum, and what is the current status of asylum in the courts?
It started with the “turnback” policy, in which CBP officers would be stationed at the border line, and physically stop asylum seekers from stepping onto U.S. soil – while forcing them to remain in Mexico during the process of their asylum. In 2019, it was determined that “turnback” violated U.S. law (AIC). Shortly after, the…
What is happening with third-country removals/deportations?
The current administration has entered into agreements with countries around the world, including El Salvador, Ghana, Eswatini, and South Sudan. Some of the deportees in the U.S. are being sent to these third-country destinations. On June 23, 2025, the Supreme Court just ruled in favor of the Trump Administration to continue with these expedited removals…
How many people are currently displaced around the world and how many of those displaced are children?
As of the end of 2024, the most recent reporting period (UNHCR), 123.2 million people had been forced to flee their homes globally due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. Among them were nearly 42.7 million refugees. In addition, there were 73.5 million people displaced within the borders…
Are children being born into refugee status?
UNHCR estimates that 2.4 million children were born into refugee life between 2018 and 2024, equivalent to some 338,000 children per year. (UNHCR)
What are some proposed solutions to forced displacement, and what are the limitations?
There are three commonly attempted solutions to forced displacement—but all have serious limitations: Return home – This requires resolution of the conditions that caused displacement. However, most refugee-producing situations last over 26 years, making return impossible for many. Integrate into the country of refuge – 86% of refugees are hosted by developing nations that…
What does it mean to be “stateless”?
Stateless people are not recognized as citizens by any country. At least 4.4 million people are officially stateless, though the true number is likely much higher. Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
What are the main reasons people migrate and what are 4 common ways to migrate to the US?
Abara describes migration as being driven by conflict, hope, and a future. People often migrate due to: Push factors: violence, poverty, persecution, or systemic injustice Pull factors: safety, opportunity, or family reunification Migration is shaped by both personal realities and global systems—including unjust policies, economic interdependence, and misinformation. Few people want to leave their homeland,…
How do immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy?
Undocumented immigrants contribute around $11.74 billion annually in state and local taxes. The loss of undocumented labor would cost the U.S. economy an estimated $5 trillion over a decade. Did you know that nearly half of Fortune 500 Companies were founded by immigrants or their children? An increase in immigration over the 2021–2026 period boosts…
Ready to go deeper?
Join us on a Border Encounter—a three-day, immersive experience at the U.S.–Mexico border that brings the realities of migration to life through firsthand stories, guided learning, and personal reflection.