Let’s break this down, folks. The United States has just witnessed an immigration surge under President Joe Biden’s administration that dwarfs anything we’ve seen in modern history.
According to a New York Times analysis of government data, between 2021 and 2023, 2.4 million people were added to the U.S. population through net migration—just the net number, mind you, after factoring in those who left. Overall, more than eight million people crossed into the country during Biden's tenure.
That’s more people than the population of most states! And the kicker? The real number could be at least two million higher, thanks to what officials call "gotaways," those who slipped past border patrol undetected.
Now, what’s the fallout? For starters, the percentage of U.S. residents born outside the country has hit a record 15.2% in 2023. The last time it was close to that? Back in 1890. That’s not just a stat; it’s a seismic demographic shift. Economically, the impact is palpable, particularly for Americans without college degrees.
Wage growth for this group is expected to take a hit, as competition for low-wage jobs increases. These are people already stretched thin, and now they’re facing even tougher times.
So, why the surge? Many point to Biden’s border policies, often described as “open borders,” as the key driver. The administration’s approach has been criticized for creating conditions that encourage illegal crossings, overwhelming border enforcement, and straining resources in border towns and beyond.
Enter President-elect Donald Trump. During his campaign, Trump made it crystal clear: a massive deportation program is coming. And according to a YouGov/CBS News poll, a majority of Americans—yes, across racial lines—support this initiative.
Fifty-seven percent said they’d approve of a national program to find and deport illegal immigrants, with 45 percent calling it a "high priority." Even among black and Hispanic respondents, support for this plan is significant—around 70%.
Trump has tapped Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his “border czar.” Homan’s mission? To deliver on Trump’s promise of the largest deportation program in American history. Trump’s plan isn’t just a campaign pledge—it’s becoming a mandate backed by public sentiment.