President Biden’s immigration policies have led to a surge in both legal and unauthorized migration, raising concerns about their impact on the U.S. economy and society.
At a Glance
- Biden’s policies have created a “parallel immigration system,” with 2.6 million illegal migrants welcomed in 2024
- The immigration surge is expected to lower productivity, increase inflation, and reduce average wage growth
- Federal spending on illegal migrants is projected to cost $278 billion over the next 10 years
- The total inflow of legal and illegal migrants in 2024 was roughly equal to the number of American births that year
- Biden’s plan aims to transition unauthorized migrants to legal status, potentially increasing the U.S. population by 1.64% by 2050
The Parallel Immigration System
President Biden’s administration has been accused of creating a “parallel immigration system” that operates outside the boundaries of existing immigration laws. In 2024 alone, the administration reportedly welcomed 2.6 million illegal migrants into the country, raising concerns about the impact on American workers and the economy.
According to a report from Breitbart News, for every two legal migrants admitted, five illegal migrants were allowed through the border. This unprecedented influx has led to a situation where the total number of migrants entering the country in 2024 was roughly equivalent to the number of American births that year.
Economic Implications
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a report highlighting the potential economic consequences of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. The report, titled “The Effects of the Immigration Surge on the Federal Budget and the Economy,” paints a concerning picture for American workers and the overall economy.
The CBO report also suggests that the immigration surge is expected to lower productivity and slightly increase inflation, particularly affecting housing prices. This could have a significant impact on American families already struggling with rising costs of living.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal implications of the Biden administration’s immigration policies are staggering. The CBO projects that federal spending on illegal migrants will cost $278 billion over the next 10 years, and this figure does not include discretionary spending or state and local costs. New York City alone spent $4.3 billion from July 2022 to March 2024 on accommodating immigrants.
Moreover, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates an over $150 billion annual burden on governments due to illegal migration. This massive financial strain comes at a time when many Americans are already facing economic hardships.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the 2024 Election
As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for a potential presidential run in 2024, her association with the Biden administration’s immigration policies could become a significant liability. “The growing number of migrant encounters at the southern border has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 election cycle.” (Pew Research Center), with many Americans expressing concern about the current state of immigration.
As the election approaches, it will be crucial for voters to carefully consider the long-term implications of the current administration’s immigration policies on the economy, job market, and social fabric of the United States. The stark contrast between the Biden-Harris approach and Trump’s policies will likely play a significant role in shaping the political landscape for years to come.
