The Truth About Illegal Immigration Since Biden's Administration

Throughout the tumultuous debate on immigration, the narrative surrounding illegal immigration under President Joe Biden's administration has been hotly contested. However, the data and the facts often get overshadowed by fervent discussions and emotional rhetoric. In this article, we delve into the truth about illegal immigration during Biden's tenure, examining the numbers, policies, and the ongoing issues.

Numbers vs. Perceptions

One of the most pervasive claims made by critics of the Biden administration is that illegal immigration has drastically increased since he took office. However, the data tells a different story.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the number of apprehensions of border crossers who entered without authorization did not significantly increase during President Biden's first year in office. In fiscal year 2022, approximately 6.5 million individuals were intercepted at the border attempting to enter without authorization. This included:

5.8 million individuals intercepted between authorized points of entry 700,000 individuals intercepted at points of entry lacking authorization About 1.6 million individuals who likely avoided the Border Patrol

When accounting for those released on parole, the total number of unauthorized border crossers is estimated to be around 4.1 million.

Similar to Previous Administrations

One must consider the historical context. The number of unauthorized border crossers almost mirrored the figures during President Donald Trump's administration. The numbers of those intercepted were roughly the same during Trump’s time in office. Here are some comparative data points:

Fiscal Year 2020 (Trump’s last year in office): 6.5 million apprehensions Fiscal Year 2022 (Biden’s first year in office): 6.5 million apprehensions

Biden did not alter the immigration policies regarding border control. The laws and enforcement mechanisms remained largely the same under his administration as they did under Trump, with the notable exception of the "separate kids from their parents" policy, which sparked significant controversy and human rights concerns.

Challenges and Current Issues

Despite the relatively stable numbers, the issue of illegal immigration remains complex and multifaceted. One major challenge is the unsecured southern border and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Many argue that the outbreaks of violence, drug trafficking, and human smuggling have contributed to the ongoing flow of individuals trying to enter the country.

Additionally, there are significant cultural and economic implications. Critics argue that unchecked illegal immigration leads to a loss of national identity and cultural values, as well as economic strain on local communities. The pressure from illegal immigration has led to the demand for more resources from cities and states, often referred to as "sanctuary cities."

Conclusion

The debate over illegal immigration during the Biden administration is nuanced. While it is true that there have been challenges, the actual numbers of unauthorized border crossers have not significantly increased. The situation remains a complex issue with various stakeholders and viewpoints. The data provides clarity on the 'myths' surrounding illegal immigration and highlights the need for informed discussions based on facts and evidence.

Beyond the statistics, the issue of illegal immigration involves human stories, societal dynamics, and policy choices that will continue to shape discussions and decisions in public policy.