The Path to a Realistic USA Border Strategy

 October 23, 2024

Addressing the Failures of Migration Policies and The Financial Burden on US Citizens

Under the Harris/Walz/Biden policies for immigration, the U.S. has faced an unprecedented migration crisis, with US borders overwhelmed by tens of millions of illegal crossings and an asylum system buckling under the weight of these millions of cases. While the Biden/Harris administration continues to allocate billions in aid to address the humanitarian needs of migrants, this approach is neither a sustainable stop-gap measure nor a viable long-term border strategy. Financial aid, as part of the current response, not only fails to address the core issues driving migration but also imposes an enormous financial burden on American taxpayers and encourages more illegal border crossings.

The True Cost of the Border Crisis

According to testimony before the House Budget Committee, President Biden’s border policies have cost American taxpayers a staggering $150.7 Billion annually. Studies from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimate that the true cost could be closer to $400 Billion when accounting for various social and economic impacts. The largest share of this financial burden is borne by state and local governments, which are often forced to raise taxes or cut services to accommodate the influx of migrants. Unlike the federal government, these local entities cannot simply borrow or print more money—they must balance their budgets while dealing with a crisis largely beyond their control.

This cost isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about the social and security implications for every corner of the U.S. Communities far from the US borders, like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are grappling with the devastating impacts of illegal immigration. In Lancaster alone, fentanyl—smuggled across the border by cartels—has claimed tens of thousands of lives, a tragic reminder that the border crisis affects every American city.

Failure to Enforce Existing Immigration Laws

The crisis at the border stems, in part, from the Biden/Harris government’s failure to enforce existing immigration laws. On day one, President Biden’s actions rolled back many of the border security measures put in place by the previous Trump administration, signalling that illegal crossings would not face serious consequences. This lack of enforcement has not only encouraged illegal immigration but also created a perception that the U.S. borders are effectively open. Despite the unprecedented surge in migration, the Biden/Harris administration has downplayed the crisis, referring to it as "cyclical" or "seasonal" as late as 11 months into their administration.

The U.S. immigration system is now flooded with migrants, most of whom do not qualify for asylum under international law. Instead of fleeing persecution for reasons of race, religion, or political opinion, many are economic migrants or individuals escaping generalized violence—factors that, while tragic, do not meet the legal standards for asylum. The failure to uphold these legal distinctions not only burdens the U.S. legal system but also frustrates those who follow legal immigration pathways, only to see millions "cut in line" through illegal means.

Financial Aid: A Temporary Fix with Long-Term Consequences

This year, the DHS Shelter and Services Program (SSP) allocated nearly $640 million to nonprofits and local governments to help manage the migrant influx. This financial was for providing food, shelter, legal and medical care, it does little to address the root causes of migration or offer a sustainable solution. The $150.7 billion in taxpayer dollars spent annually to deal with this crisis represents not only a strain on resources but also a glaring example of how temporary fixes are inadequate in the face of an ongoing crisis.

Furthermore, the federal government’s spending priorities are troubling. As noted in the House Budget Committee’s hearing, $66 billion was spent on illegal immigrants in 2023 alone, while only $3 billion was allocated to homeless veterans—those who risked their lives in service to this country. This lopsided allocation of resources demonstrates a failure to prioritize American citizens, particularly those who have already given so much to the nation.

The Dangers of Working with Totalitarian Regimes

Some have suggested that the U.S. should implement “safe third country” agreements, where asylum seekers must apply for protection in the first safe country they enter. While this could reduce the number of migrants arriving at the U.S. border, the reality is that many neighbouring countries are not governed by democratic principles and lack the infrastructure or will to process asylum claims fairly.

Expecting totalitarian regimes or corrupt governments to uphold international agreements in good faith is unrealistic. These governments often fail to protect migrants, and some may use them as pawns to extract political or financial concessions from the U.S. Without transparency, legal frameworks, and accountability, such agreements risk sending vulnerable individuals into further danger, undermining both the ethical and legal obligations of the U.S. asylum system.

The Role of Cartels and Criminal Organizations

Compounding the crisis is the involvement of transnational criminal organizations, particularly cartels that profit from human trafficking and smuggling. These organizations exploit the current border chaos, smuggling drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. and subjecting migrants—especially women and children—to horrific abuse. Cartels have evolved into sophisticated criminal enterprises, using drones, submersibles, and other advanced technologies to evade U.S. authorities and facilitate their operations.

The open border policies of the Biden/Harris administration have made it easier for these criminals to operate, putting both migrants and U.S. citizens at risk. As the crisis grows, so too does the power and influence of these cartels, creating a dangerous feedback loop that will be difficult to break without decisive action.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration

To solve the migration crisis, the U.S. must prioritize enforcement of existing immigration laws and eliminate incentives for illegal crossings. At the same time, we need to reform the asylum process to ensure that only those truly fleeing persecution are granted protection. This will not only help reduce the strain on the immigration system but also restore faith in legal immigration, which has been undermined by the current crisis.

The U.S. must also resist the temptation to rely on unstable or authoritarian governments to manage migration flows. Instead, the focus should be on working with democratic countries in the region that can be trusted to handle asylum claims ethically and legally. Diplomatic efforts must aim at addressing the root causes of migration, including economic instability, corruption, and violence in migrants' home countries.

Conclusion: The Need for Real Solutions

The border crisis is not just a humanitarian issue; it is a national security threat and a financial catastrophe. The Biden/Harris administration’s policies have failed and exacerbated the situation, leaving American taxpayers to foot the bill while cartels and human traffickers profit. To protect the nation and those genuinely seeking asylum, the U.S. must adopt a more realistic and compassionate border strategy—one that enforces the law, addresses root causes, and partners with trustworthy allies.

The $150.7 billion price tag of this crisis is unsustainable. Without immediate reform, both the financial and social costs will continue to rise, putting the future of the U.S. at risk.