The United States is facing a historic surge in illegal immigration, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection last weekend reported a record 3.2 million encounters with illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2023. This number surpasses the combined populations of Hawaii, Alaska, and Vermont, representing a sharp increase from the previous year.
In September alone, Border Patrol agents encountered over 340,000 illegal immigrants, the highest number for any single month on record. This comes as large groups of migrants are now traveling to the U.S. across Mexico aboard freight trains in a dangerous and desperate attempt to enter the country.
Illegal immigration hits record high of 3.2 million as large groups travel to US on freight trains https://t.co/r5gWHPrmmP via @JustTheNews
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) October 23, 2023
The surge in illegal immigration has been a significant challenge for the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from both the right and left for handling border security. The White House has touted Joe Biden’s border security policies, claiming they have taken historic steps to secure the border and rebuild a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. However, the numbers tell a different story.
One concerning aspect of the surge in illegal immigration is the record number of individuals on the terror watchlist attempting to enter the country. In fiscal year 2023, there were 487 encounters with individuals on the terror watchlist along the northern border with Canada and 249 along the southern border with Mexico.
BREAKING: Biden Admin Reports Over 3 Million Illegal Aliens on America’s Borders in Single Year
Via Virginia Allen:https://t.co/3DVtivW22w
— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) October 22, 2023
The situation at the border has become a political hot potato, with Republicans accusing the Biden administration of failing to secure the border and protect American citizens. A recent Fox News poll found that 66% of Americans disapprove of how Biden handles border security, and 57% support building a wall along the border with Mexico.
Despite the administration’s claims that it is taking steps to enhance security at the border and reduce illegal crossings, the reality is that the surge in illegal immigration has overwhelmed Border Patrol agents and strained resources. Customs and Border Protection has had to surge resources and personnel across the southern border in response to the high rates of encounters.
The record number of illegal immigrants attempting to enter the U.S. is not just a political issue — it is a humanitarian crisis. Many migrants are fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries, seeking a better life in the U.S. However, the dangerous journey to the U.S., often facilitated by human traffickers, is fraught with peril.
The Biden administration must take immediate steps to secure the border and address the root causes of migration. This includes working with foreign partners to improve conditions in migrants’ home countries, enforcing existing immigration laws, and maintaining a clear legal pathway for legitimate asylum seekers. Only by addressing the issue comprehensively can we hope to stem the tide of illegal immigration and ensure the safety and security of both migrants and American citizens.
