Most Americans think surge of illegal border crossings is a crisis | TheHill – The Hill
Is there a border crisis? According to DHS Secretary Alejandro MayorkasAlejandro MayorkasMost Americans think surge of illegal border crossings is a crisis Biden unveils push to encourage US citizenship Photos of the Week: Infrastructure, Britney Spears and Sen. Tillis's dog MORE, there isnt but the illegal crossing numbers indicate that there is.
Illegal border crossings have reacheda 20-year high. In the four months before Biden took office,illegal crossingsaveraged 70,000 a month. The number rose to 97,640 in February, the first full month of Bidens presidency; to 169,204 in March; and to 173,686 in April; and it was 172,011 in May.
Recidivism
Mayorkas claims that the numbers are misleading because they include the recidivists who make more than one illegal crossing.
Recidivism is becoming a major problem. Approximately 38 percent of the illegal crossers arrested in May had tried to cross at least one other time in the past year. Thats up from an average one-year recidivism rate of 15 percent between 2014 and 2019.
But the surge in recidivism is not a mitigating factor. It is part of the crisis.
It is happening because undocumented migrants can make as many illegal crossings as they want without fear of consequences. Illegal entry is a crime, but the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Arizona didnt prosecute any illegal crossers in May.
This encourages illegal crossers to keep trying until they succeed. Border security measures are meaningless when the people who are deported today can come back tomorrow.
And once they have succeeded in reaching the interior of the country, they are home free. It is extremely unlikely that they will be put in removal proceedings unless they are convicted of a serious crime in the United States.
Biden replaced the removal grounds that Congress passed with three priority categories. Enforcement actions are limited to deportable aliens who pose a threat to national security, border security, or public safety. Exceptions are possible, but they require preapproval from senior supervisors.
According to Ronald Vitiello, who was ICEs acting director in 2018 and 2019, The odds of being arrested just for being in the country illegally were always extremely low, and now theyve basically ruled it out by policy.
Most registered voters know there is a crisis
A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll that was taken between June 15-17, 2021, found that 74 percent of the registered voters polled think the surge in illegal border crossings is a crisis that must be addressed immediately.
This is particularly significant because 84 percent of them underestimated the number of illegal crossings. Only 7 percent knew that there are between 150,000 and 200,000 illegal crossings a month.
Only 36 percent think that Biden should continue his current border security polices; 64 percent think he should issue stricter policies to reduce illegal crossings.
Most voters (68 percent) think that Bidens immigration executive orders encourage illegal immigration, and 55 percent think that his border policies are increasing the flow of drugs and crime into the United States.
More than half (55 percent) think that Biden should have left former president Donald TrumpDonald TrumpJD Vance says he regrets past criticism of Trump Five big questions about the Jan. 6 select committee First Republican announces run for Massachusetts governor MOREs immigration executive orders in place.
Eighty percent consider illegal immigration to be a serious problem, and 43 percent responded that it is a very serious one.
Sixty seven percent think that illegal crossers should be turned back to Mexico.
A majority (61 percent) believe that the flood of tens of thousands of unaccompanied alien children is Bidens fault.
The Border Patrolapprehendsthousands of unaccompanied children every month at the border with Mexico: 5,688 in January; 9,269 in February; 18,724 in March; 16,910 in April; and 13,906 in May.
And according to the DHS Fiscal 2020 Enforcement Lifecycle Report, only4.3 percentof the 290,000 unaccompanied children who came here between fiscal 2014, and fiscal 2019, were returned to their own countries.
State governors know too
The governors of 20 states sent aletterto PresidentJoe BidenJoe BidenFive big questions about the Jan. 6 select committee With Afghanistan left in limbo, can the global South trust the West? When should the president be able to fire a watchdog? MOREand Vice PresidentKamala HarrisKamala Harris Harris, in optimistic speech, says America 'getting back to work' Most Americans think surge of illegal border crossings is a crisis Have Tucker Carlson and Ron DeSantis filled the 'Trump void' for the left? MORElast month asking them to take immediate action to end the crisis at the southern border. They claimed that the crisis is spilling over the border states into all of their states.
Arizona Gov.Doug DuceyDoug DuceyMost Americans think surge of illegal border crossings is a crisis States spend big as water levels fall, raising risks for catastrophic fires Border crisis deepens as governors assert control MOREand Texas Gov.Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations to activate emergency resources for dealing with the crisis. This has authorized them to request help in securing their borders from the other states pursuant to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
They told the other states that help is needed to respond to the surge in illegal migration and "the accompanying threats to private property and to the safety of our citizens. So far, four states have said they are going to send law enforcement officers.
State action is not a solution
Although the states may be able to arrest illegal crossers and charge them with state and local offenses, such as trespassing, they will not be able to return them to Mexico.
The presence of state and local police and national guardsmen in the vicinity of the border is likely to deter illegal crossings, but this will just divert the crossings to the California and New Mexico borders with Mexico.
This will be particularly hard on California. According to the DHS January 2021 estimates, California already has more undocumented aliens than any other state.
Biden knew his actions would cause a border crisis
The month before he was sworn in, Biden said he wasnt going to make good on his immigration campaign promises right away. If he ended Trumps remain in Mexico program and the rest of his border security measures too soon, it could result in 2 million immigrants appearing at our border.
He said it would probably take six months to prepare for implementing new border security measures.
But he made most of the changes the day he took the oath of office.
Why?
Nolan Rappaportwas detailed to the House Judiciary Committee as an executive branch immigration law expert for three years. He subsequently served as an immigration counsel for the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims for four years. Prior to working on the Judiciary Committee, he wrote decisions for the Board of Immigration Appeals for 20 years. Followhis blogathttps://nolanrappaport.blogspot.com.
Read more from the original source:
Most Americans think surge of illegal border crossings is a crisis | TheHill - The Hill
- KuGompo City braces for anti-illegal immigration protest after Igbo king unrest - Daily Dispatch - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- Illegal immigration: is it worth it? The answer is always NO. - MilitaryNews.com - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- Are Americans footing the bill for illegal immigration, as Mike Lee says? - NPR Utah | KUER - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- Government calls for protesters against illegal immigration to march peacefully - South African Government News Agency - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- Meghalaya BJP Seeks Tougher Curbs on Illegal Immigration Amid Growing ILP Push - Northeast Live - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- Some MPs blame the Department of Home Affairs for the illegal immigration crisis - EWN - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- The true reality of illegal immigration - Daily Voice - June 24th, 2026 [June 24th, 2026]
- FACT FOCUS: Trump says illegal immigration increased car insurance premiums. Experts say otherwise - AP News - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- Trump says G7 united on illegal immigration and drug trafficking - Fox News - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- FACT FOCUS: Trump says illegal immigration increased car insurance premiums. Experts say otherwise - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- Trump says G7 united on illegal immigration and stopping drug trafficking - Fox News - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- Fact focus: Trump says illegal immigration increased car insurance premiums. Experts say otherwise - The Wenatchee World - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- FACT FOCUS: Trump says illegal immigration increased car insurance premiums. Experts say otherwise - Herald Bulletin - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- Fact focus: Trump says illegal immigration increased car insurance premiums. Experts say otherwise - MSN - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- HSI St. Louis investigation leads to removal of illegal alien who attempted to give baby away to pay debt to smugglers - ICE | U.S. Immigration and... - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- An illegal immigrant was working as a corrections officer in Maine before he was nabbed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE officers... - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Deportation hits illegal immigration supply. Mandatory E-Verify will address demand - Federation for American Immigration Reform - June 14th, 2026 [June 14th, 2026]
- ICE asks officials not to release Mexican criminal illegal alien and alleged drunk driver accused of killing Georgia mother - ICE | U.S. Immigration... - June 14th, 2026 [June 14th, 2026]
- 'You're destroying your countries': Is Europe finally heeding Trump's warning on illegal immigration? - Fox News - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- DHS releases first VOICE and DHS VINE data reports emphasizing support for victims of illegal alien crime - ICE | U.S. Immigration and Customs... - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Tightening on illegal immigration policies following a wave of xenophobia. Msgr. Sipuka states that "all domestic problems... - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Reconciliation Bill Will Ensure Immigration Enforcement Continues but Statutory Changes are Still Needed to Prevent Future Illegal Immigration Crises,... - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Can't we get tough on illegal immigration and still be compassionate to all? - IOL - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Illegal Immigrant Who Escaped During Immigration Office Escort Apprehended After About 19 Hours on the Run - - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Europe has reduced illegal immigration without goon tactics - The Economist - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Nearly 50 detained, 6 indicted in SC illegal immigration operation - WIS News 10 - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Lawsuit seeks to halt Tennessee law making illegal immigration a state crime - News From The States - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- AG, Homeland Security, SLED announce arrests in illegal immigration case - FOX Carolina News - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Ramaphosa to address nation on illegal immigration as tensions rise - theherald.co.za - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- ActionSA Disappointed by Presidents Weak and Reactionary Address on Illegal Immigration Crisis - ActionSA - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Another $90M for illegal immigration teed up - yoursun.com - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Florida Cabinet Prepares to Award Another $90 Million For Illegal Immigration Enforcement - FlaglerLive - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- RECORDED | Ramaphosa addresses the nation on illegal immigration - Business Day - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Ramaphosa to address the nation on illegal immigration - Sowetan - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Ramaphosa vows crackdown on illegal immigration, warns against xenophobia - zimlive.com - June 7th, 2026 [June 7th, 2026]
- Criminal illegal alien arrested in Texas for allegedly opening fire on neighbors with assault rifle over Memorial Day weekend has been deported from... - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- June 2: Sen. Liz Brown's bill on illegal immigration ceremonially signed into law - Fort Wayne Business Weekly - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- ICE arrests 24 illegal aliens during 1-day targeted operation with federal, state and local partners in Texas - ICE | U.S. Immigration and Customs... - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Government is intensifying efforts to tackle illegal immigration: SA President - Channel Africa - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Ramaphosa to act on illegal immigration as anti-foreigner protests spread across SA - Daily Maverick - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Government intensifies fight against corruption, illegal immigration - South African Government News Agency - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Iran's Khamenei warns US will lose 'safe haven' in Gulf; Amit Shah forms panel on illegal immigration-lin - The Times of India - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Centre forms panel to study demographic shifts linked to illegal immigration - The Indian EYE - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Call for anti-illegal immigration demonstrators to operate within the law - EWN - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Assam urges Centre to seal its border with Bangladesh to prevent illegal immigration - News On AIR - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Government convenes urgent meeting over anti-illegal immigration protests - The Witness | Your compass in the community - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Big Banks and the U.S. Treasury Have Been Enabling Illegal Immigration for Two Decades - Center for Immigration Studies - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- Judge Re-Blocks Provisions of Texas Illegal Entry Law - Federation for American Immigration Reform - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- Ghana High Commission starts repatriation process after tensions over illegal immigration - EWN - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- ICE arrests illegal alien accused of killing daughter in Arizona - ICE | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (.gov) - May 20th, 2026 [May 20th, 2026]
- EDITORIAL: Upholding the rule of law against illegal immigration - Colorado Springs Gazette - May 20th, 2026 [May 20th, 2026]
- Three-time deported illegal alien arrested and charged after assaulting federal immigration officers in the Eastern District of Texas - Herald... - May 20th, 2026 [May 20th, 2026]
- Border Control to Stop Illegal Immigration is Necessary to Protect the U.S., but Legal Immigration is Important Too - Daily Gate City - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Ramaphosa calls for unity against xenophobia and illegal immigration challenges - Cape Town ETC - May 11th, 2026 [May 11th, 2026]
- ICE lodges detainer on criminal illegal alien in Texas accused of beating victim unconscious, raping him while he was incapacitated - ICE | U.S.... - May 7th, 2026 [May 7th, 2026]
- Second Circuit Breaks with Others on Mandatory Detention of Illegal Entrants - Center for Immigration Studies - May 7th, 2026 [May 7th, 2026]
- New Legal Challenge to Texas Law Criminalizing Illegal Immigration Rebuked by Lt. Gov. Patrick - The Texan - May 7th, 2026 [May 7th, 2026]
- ICE confirms suspect in San Francisco stabbing is Venezuelan criminal illegal alien who entered the US under Biden administrations deadly... - May 7th, 2026 [May 7th, 2026]
- East End Officials Disgraceful Pandering to the Illegal Immigration Mob - Long Island Life & Politics - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- New York to Further Shackle ICE to Shield Illegal Aliens - Federation for American Immigration Reform - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Virginia Gov. Spanberger addresses reporters on redistricting, illegal immigration - Fox News - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Bill creating state illegal immigration crime headed to Lee - Johnson City Press - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Letter: In regards to illegal immigration and the No Kings rally - Wadena Pioneer Journal - April 8th, 2026 [April 8th, 2026]
- Illegal alien sends 2 ICE officers to hospital after attempt to dangerously evade arrest - ICE | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (.gov) - April 8th, 2026 [April 8th, 2026]
- Meet one of the medias non-criminals: ICE arrests illegal alien wanted for murder in Virginia - ICE | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (.gov) - April 8th, 2026 [April 8th, 2026]
- Bill creating state illegal immigration crime headed to Lee - blackchronicle.com - April 8th, 2026 [April 8th, 2026]
- Illinois Poised to Pass Another Bill Shielding Illegal Aliens in the State - Federation for American Immigration Reform - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Alito invokes Scalia analogy in birthright citizenship case over illegal immigration - Fox News - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Mass Deportation Coalition Launches Playbook Aimed at Reversing the Harmful Impact of Mass Illegal Immigration - PR Newswire - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Cesar Chavez fought illegal immigration is that why he was canceled so quickly? - The College Fix - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Video | Nitiin Gadkari Raises Alarm On 'Illegal Immigration' In Assam Ahead Of State Elections - NDTV - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Man convicted on incest, other sex charges sentenced to federal prison for illegal immigration - Gulf Coast News and Weather - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- FAIR Launches Investigation into Illegal Aliens Access to the U.S. Banking System - Federation for American Immigration Reform - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- ICE Houston lodges detainers on 2 criminal illegal aliens arrested for intoxicated manslaughter in past month - U.S. Immigration and Customs... - March 4th, 2026 [March 4th, 2026]
- Letters: Trump has stemmed tide of illegal immigration that leads to many ills - NOLA.com - March 4th, 2026 [March 4th, 2026]
- Birmingham man charged with impeding arrest of person accused of illegal immigration - WBRC - March 4th, 2026 [March 4th, 2026]
- Sen. John Cornyn calls Texas mass shooting a sad but familiar story, warns of illegal immigration - Fox News - March 4th, 2026 [March 4th, 2026]
- Utahns first or eroding the Utah way? House OKs measure cracking down on illegal immigration - KSL.com - March 2nd, 2026 [March 2nd, 2026]
- Is the government meeting its pledges on illegal immigration and asylum? - BBC - March 2nd, 2026 [March 2nd, 2026]
- California to Spend $35 Million to Prevent the Deportation of Illegal Aliens - Federation for American Immigration Reform - March 2nd, 2026 [March 2nd, 2026]