The recent surge in the U.S. foreign-born population, now at 49.5 million, signals a significant shift in the nation’s demographic landscape. This unprecedented rise, marking 15% of the total population, can be traced back to policies implemented during the Biden administration. These changes, especially the reversal of the “Remain in Mexico” policy and the lifting of Title 42 pandemic controls, have contributed directly to this increase.
The numbers speak for themselves. Since January 2021, there has been a rise of 4.5 million immigrants, a substantial portion attributed to illegal crossings. Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge, estimates that about 2.5 million individuals added to the foreign-born population since Biden took office are undocumented. “The numbers are clear: we are midstream in a self-inflicted crisis,” he stated, highlighting the strain on the immigration system.
Additionally, the issue of “got-aways”—those who have evaded border patrol—exceeded 1.5 million in the last two fiscal years. This is significantly higher than pre-pandemic trends and illustrates the challenges faced by border and immigration enforcement agencies in managing unauthorized entries.
Moreover, legal immigration has rebounded post-COVID, compounding the pressures on public resources. Major urban centers, many of which are designated as sanctuary cities, are now grappling with unprecedented levels of migrant arrivals. For example, New York City has seen over 210,000 migrants since spring 2022, resulting in costs projected to exceed $12 billion by 2025. The financial burden is mirrored across other cities, with Chicago and Denver incurring similar expenses.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s busing program, which transports migrants from the border to cities like New York and Chicago, highlights how governmental actions have forced local leaders to confront the consequences of these policies. As Abbott declared, “I took the border to [Democrats],” it illuminates the political maneuvering surrounding the issue. Cities previously seen as willing havens for immigrants are now facing a tough reality they are not equipped to handle.
The situation for migrants is challenging as well. In cities like New York, they often find themselves in overcrowded shelters, facing strict stay limits. With work authorizations delayed, many lack stable employment, pushing some into precarious living conditions, including homelessness.
The decline in interior enforcement is another facet of this issue. The Biden administration has significantly reduced deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with figures dropping from over 267,000 in Fiscal Year 2019 to about 72,000 in 2022. This shift in enforcement priorities may lead to an expectation among potential immigrants of lenient consequences for entering illegally.
Visa overstays further exacerbate the situation, with more than 850,000 individuals overstaying their visas in Fiscal Year 2022. This trend, coupled with the increase in illegal crossings, points to a system struggling to maintain control over immigration—both legal and illegal.
Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, sharply criticized the federal government’s handling of immigration: “The federal government is not just failing to enforce immigration law. It is actively undermining it.” This statement captures the sentiment of many taxpayers who feel the strain on local systems without receiving the necessary federal support to manage the influx of new residents.
FEMA’s allocation of $640 million for migrant-related costs pales in comparison to the reality faced by cities. For instance, New York received only $81 million, which is minuscule relative to the financial needs posed by the sheer number of new arrivals. These funds become even more inadequate considering they cover only the first 45 days post-release from custody.
The impact of immigration policy extends beyond large urban centers. Smaller towns like South Portland, Maine, and Logansport, Indiana, have also felt the repercussions. Property taxes have risen in South Portland, and Logansport’s public services are reportedly under strain. The reach of these policies is widespread, affecting both large cities and small communities alike.
As projections from the Census Bureau indicate, existing models may no longer accurately reflect the current immigration landscape, complicating planning for infrastructure, school enrollments, and healthcare services. The potential for another 1.8 to 2 million illegal immigrants to arrive in the U.S. by the end of 2024 raises further questions about the sustainability of local resources and the ability to integrate new arrivals effectively.
The connection between policy changes and their outcomes is stark. As social media user @GetOnTap aptly pointed out, “You get what you vote for.” Sanctuary cities called for more welcoming immigration policies; they now face the consequences of those decisions as they deal with the realities of an unprecedented influx. The situation prompts a pressing question among citizens: What is the future of immigration policy and its impact on the nation?
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