An In-Depth Look at U.S. Illegal Immigration

Data, Policy, and Human Experience at the Border

Posted 2 months ago

The issue of illegal immigration has long been a central point of political debate in the U.S. It touches on economics, national security, and humanitarian concerns. As the 2024 election nears, the discussion has become more polarized, with leaders from both political parties offering different visions on how to handle the influx of unauthorized immigrants. Understanding the facts, however, is critical in assessing the reality at the southern U.S. border. This article uses both data and real-life experiences to offer a comprehensive look at the current state of illegal immigration and its broader implications.

Key Data: The Shifting Landscape of Unauthorized Immigration

Changes in Unauthorized Immigrant Populations

Decrease in Unauthorized Immigrants from Mexico: In 2022, the number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico dropped to 4.0 million, down from a peak of 6.9 million in 2007. This reflects broader migration trends and improved lawful immigration opportunities.
Increases in Other Regions: From 2019 to 2022, the unauthorized immigrant population from countries like the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa increased. The largest growth was seen in the Caribbean and Europe, with an increase of 300,000 and 275,000, respectively.
State Distribution: States like Texas, Florida, and New York have seen continued growth in their unauthorized immigrant populations. Florida, in particular, saw an increase of 400,000 unauthorized immigrants between 2019 and 2022. Conversely, California was the only state to see a reduction in its unauthorized immigrant population, declining by 120,000.

Economic Impact of Unauthorized Immigrants

Labor Force Contribution: In 2022, 8.3 million U.S. workers were unauthorized immigrants, representing 23% of the U.S. foreign-born population and 3.3% of the total U.S. population. These immigrants play crucial roles in industries such as agriculture, construction, and service sectors, where the demand for labor often exceeds the supply from U.S.-born workers.
Household Dynamics: Approximately 6.3 million households in the U.S. include unauthorized immigrants, accounting for about 4.8% of all U.S. households. Of these, nearly 70% are "mixed status" households, which include both lawful immigrants or U.S.-born residents.

First-Person Perspective: Life at the Border

While data provides the numerical side of immigration, the lived experience of those at the border tells another critical part of the story. First-hand accounts from migrants, border patrol agents, and local residents paint a complex picture of humanitarian challenges, security measures, and the often harsh realities of life at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Crossing the Border: A Dangerous Journey

In the early hours at the Rio Grande, the U.S.-Mexico border that was once bustling with migrants has calmed, but signs of prior crossings remain. Discarded clothes and personal items are strewn across the riverbank, evidence of the perilous journey many migrants undertake in the hopes of reaching the United States. From makeshift rafts to hastily abandoned supplies, each piece tells a story of desperation and determination.

Migrants who successfully cross often face months, if not years, of uncertainty. For instance, Yenny Leyva Bornot, a 39-year-old Cuban woman, arrived in the U.S. with her family after navigating the grueling process of securing a CBP One appointment. “This is the dream for most Cubans: Come to the United States to work and help your family back home,” she reflected. Bornot’s story highlights the economic push factors—like low wages and political instability—that continue to drive migration from countries such as Cuba and Venezuela.

Law Enforcement and Immigration Policy in Action

Border enforcement remains one of the most contentious political topics. The U.S. Border Patrol has seen fluctuating numbers of migrants, especially after the introduction of Operation Lone Star in Texas, which has poured $11 billion into securing the border since 2021. While crossings have slowed in recent months, some question the efficacy of such programs in the long run.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has defended these state-level actions, pointing to the temporary reduction in illegal crossings. However, critics, like 72-year-old George Rodriguez in Eagle Pass, Texas, argue that much of this enforcement is politically motivated. "Once in a while, the governor and his cronies come over here and make a big deal," said Rodriguez. For locals like him, the national spotlight on their small towns brings more political rhetoric than genuine solutions.

Despite the ramped-up enforcement, cartels continue to play a significant role in smuggling both people and narcotics across the border. In places like Laredo, methamphetamine, heroin, and other illegal substances continue to make their way into the U.S., despite increased surveillance and border control measures. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 46% of drug seizures nationwide occurred at the U.S.-Mexico border between 2021 and 2023, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing immigration and narcotics enforcement.

Policy Implications: Immigration in the Political Arena

The data from the U.S. border paints a complex picture, but how does this influence policy? Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have made immigration a central issue in their campaigns, but with very different approaches.

Harris’ Approach: Humanitarian Solutions

Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform that focuses on both border security and an earned pathway to citizenship. In a speech in Arizona, she stressed, “We know our immigration system is broken, and we know what it takes to fix it: Comprehensive reform that includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.” Harris’ proposal builds on her previous work in California, where she tackled the intersection of immigration and criminal justice.

Harris’ focus on asylum reform, border security, and the CBP One program—which allows migrants to apply for legal entry appointments online—aims to create a more structured, humane immigration process. The program has allowed over 765,000 migrants to legally enter the U.S. with temporary work permits in 2023 alone, suggesting an alternative to illegal crossings.

Trump’s Approach: Enforcement and Deportation

In contrast, Donald Trump has promised mass deportations and the construction of an even stronger border wall. At a rally in Montana, Trump declared, “Next year, America's borders will be strong, sealed, and secure.” His platform focuses heavily on border security, mass deportation, and a reduction in asylum claims, criticizing the Biden-Harris administration for what he describes as an “open border” policy.

Trump’s rhetoric plays on the fears of rising crime and economic instability, linking illegal immigration with broader social issues. While his tough-on-immigration stance resonates with a significant portion of voters, critics argue that mass deportations and stricter enforcement fail to address the underlying causes of migration, such as economic hardship and violence in migrants’ home countries.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Issue

Illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border remains one of the most pressing issues facing the nation. Both the data and human stories reflect the complexity of the situation. Unauthorized immigrants continue to be a significant part of the U.S. workforce, contributing to key industries while also facing significant legal, social, and economic challenges.

The policies proposed by the Harris and Trump campaigns offer starkly different solutions—one focusing on a combination of humanitarian aid and legal pathways, and the other emphasizing enforcement and deportation. Whether these approaches succeed will depend on how they are implemented and how the realities of the border shift over time.

The story of the border is not just about politics or numbers—it's about people, from the migrants seeking safety and opportunity to the Border Patrol agents and local residents trying to manage the influx. As the situation evolves, it will be critical to balance security, economic needs, and humanitarian concerns.