The United States has witnessed an unprecedented surge in immigration under the Biden administration, eclipsing even the historic influx of the Ellis Island era. Between 2021 and 2024, an average of 2.4 million immigrants arrived annually, with approximately 60% entering illegally. This influx has resulted in a total net migration exceeding 8 million during Biden’s term, surpassing the growth observed during the 1850s, a period marked by a significant increase in the foreign-born population. Critics point to President Biden’s welcoming rhetoric towards asylum seekers, coupled with relaxed border enforcement and immigration court policies, as the catalysts for this dramatic increase. This surge has added 0.6% annually to the US population, mirroring the growth rates of the Ellis Island era, and has propelled the foreign-born population to a record 15.2% of the total US population, surpassing the previous high of 14.8% in 1890. Experts believe the actual figures may be even higher due to underreporting in the decennial census, particularly among undocumented immigrants.
The implications of this unprecedented immigration surge are multifaceted and far-reaching. Critics argue that unchecked illegal immigration places a substantial financial burden on taxpayers, estimated at over $150 billion annually. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office projects that wage growth for less-educated American workers will be negatively impacted by the increased competition for jobs. This surge has been primarily attributed to the Biden administration’s reversal of stricter Trump-era immigration policies and a significant increase in asylum approval rates, which peaked at 52.6% in September 2023. The influx began in 2021, following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 2 million encounters reported by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These encounters subsequently spiked to over 2.3 million in 2021, a staggering 3.3 million in 2022, and then returned to 2.3 million in 2023.
The 2022 surge was particularly pronounced due to the expiration of the Trump administration’s Title 42 policy, which allowed for the rapid expulsion of migrants due to public health concerns. This expiration prompted a rush to the border before anticipated stricter enforcement measures. Global crises, including turmoil in Haiti, Ukraine, and Venezuela, further contributed to the influx, as individuals sought refuge in the United States, drawn by President Biden’s promises of welcome. This dramatic increase in immigration has sparked significant debate and concern regarding its impact on American society, the economy, and the well-being of both citizens and legal immigrants.
The impact of this historic migration surge has been felt across various sectors of American life. Experts have highlighted the strain on public resources, including schools, healthcare systems, and housing markets, particularly in communities absorbing large numbers of new arrivals. The increased competition in the labor market has also raised concerns about the potential displacement of American workers and the suppression of wage growth, particularly for those without college degrees. Beyond the economic implications, the surge has also fueled anxieties related to national security and public safety, further intensifying the political debate surrounding immigration policy.
The current situation echoes historical patterns of immigration booms followed by periods of restriction. The late 19th and early 20th century witnessed a similar surge in immigration, prompting a nativist backlash and the implementation of restrictive legislation, such as the Immigration Act of 1924. This act severely limited immigration for decades, dramatically reducing the foreign-born population until its repeal in 1965, which ushered in a new era of more inclusive immigration policies. Given the current political climate and the potential for a renewed focus on border security and immigration enforcement under a future administration, the possibility of a similar restrictive response looms large.
The future of US immigration policy remains uncertain. While the Biden administration has emphasized a more welcoming approach, focusing on humanitarian concerns and pathways to citizenship, the significant increase in immigration has spurred calls for stricter enforcement and greater border security. The political pendulum could swing back towards more restrictive policies, particularly in light of the historical precedent of backlash following periods of high immigration. The potential for renewed debates and legislative action regarding immigration is high, and the outcome will significantly shape the demographic and social landscape of the United States in the coming decades.
