CBO reveals: Over 860,000 border ‘gotaways’ in 2023
The Border Crisis: Over 860,000 Illegal Immigrants Evade Capture
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revealed alarming statistics regarding the number of illegal immigrants crossing into the United States. Last year alone, border officials witnessed but failed to catch over 860,000 individuals entering the country unlawfully. This number is more than double the amount of “gotaways” who entered when President Joe Biden took office and dismantled border policies.
The CBO’s Demographic Outlook report for 2024 to 2054 explains that the 860,000 figure includes individuals who were observed directly or indirectly making an unlawful entry, were not turned back or apprehended, and are no longer being pursued by the Border Patrol.
Comparatively, there were 389,515 gotaways in fiscal year 2021 and nearly 600,000 in fiscal year 2022. These numbers are in addition to the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants the administration acknowledges encountering and allowing into the U.S., as well as the 430,000 individuals who overstayed their visas last year.
Former immigration Judge Andrew Arthur, now a legal analyst with the Center for Immigration Studies, describes this surge in gotaways as a “tsunami.” He emphasizes that the 860,000 individuals who slipped through the cracks are roughly equivalent to the population of Charlotte, North Carolina.
In a blog post by the Center for Immigration Studies, Arthur suggests that the significant increase in gotaways is partly due to border agents being diverted from their duties to process the record numbers of illegal immigrants entering the country through official border entry points.
The Consequences of Uncontrolled Border Crossings
Arthur highlights the fact that those attempting to sneak into the country illegally often have criminal backgrounds. Unlike individuals seeking work or a better life, these individuals are more likely to be criminals or drug smugglers. Arthur questions how many individuals with terrorist intentions may have successfully crossed the border undetected, considering the staggering number of gotaways in recent years.
He warns, “We know that despite efforts to prevent it, drugs continue to be successfully smuggled over the border and onto our streets. How many aliens with terrorist intentions have done the same thing? Ideally, we’ll figure that out before it’s too late, but with nearly 2 million gotaways in three years, it may already be too late.”
It is clear that the border crisis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and effective solutions. The recent House resolution denouncing President Biden’s “open-borders policies” reflects the concerns of Democratic incumbents in tight races, even though it is not binding.
What are the consequences of the significant increase in illegal border crossings on national security and public safety?
Numbers indicate a significant increase in illegal border crossings and pose a serious challenge for immigration enforcement agencies.
The border crisis has been a contentious issue in recent years, with conflicting opinions on how to address it effectively. The Biden administration has faced criticism for its approach to immigration, particularly its rollback of Trump-era policies such as the Migrant Protection Protocols and the construction of the border wall. These changes seem to have created a perception of leniency and an increased incentive for individuals to attempt illegal entry into the United States.
The consequences of this influx of illegal immigrants are far-reaching and affect various aspects of society. From a national security perspective, the inability to control and enforce immigration laws makes it difficult to identify potential threats or individuals with criminal backgrounds. This poses a significant risk to public safety and the well-being of American citizens.
Furthermore, the surge in illegal immigration puts a strain on public resources and services. Health care, education, and social welfare programs are all impacted by the increased demand, potentially leading to a decline in quality and accessibility for both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
The economic implications of the border crisis should not be overlooked either. The CBO report highlights that many of the individuals evading capture are likely to join the labor market, further exacerbating issues of unemployment and wage stagnation for American workers. Additionally, the cost of detention, processing, and providing humanitarian assistance to undocumented immigrants places a significant burden on taxpayers.
Addressing the border crisis requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. It is crucial to invest in border security measures that act as a deterrent and provide the resources necessary for border officials to effectively apprehend and process individuals attempting illegal entry. Additionally, strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries and addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence, must be a priority. Finally, a review of immigration policies and legislation is essential to establish a fair and efficient system that respects the rule of law while also providing avenues for legal migration.
The border crisis is not a new issue, and it requires bipartisan cooperation and a long-term strategy. Achieving effective border control requires a balance between humanitarian considerations, national security, and economic interests. By addressing the border crisis comprehensively and proactively, the United States can ensure a more secure and prosperous future for its citizens while upholding its values as a nation of immigrants.
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