As the United States barrels toward the 2024 presidential election, illegal immigration remains at the forefront of the national conversation. This pressing issue is not just a policy debate; it’s a matter with real, tangible effects on American lives, impacting crime rates, the economy, and the country’s moral foundation. With the future of America hanging in the balance, it’s essential to understand the true consequences of the current administration’s border policies—and what the stakes are in 2024.
The Surge in Illegal Border Crossings
Under the Biden administration, illegal immigration has skyrocketed, breaking records in fiscal year after fiscal year. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the numbers have been at historic highs, with millions attempting to cross into the United States illegally since 2021. The administration’s lenient border policies, including catch-and-release protocols and the easing of deportation for nonviolent offenders, have been blamed for incentivizing this surge. The result is not only strained resources but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law.
This has opened the door for a stark difference in campaign messaging between President Biden and his likely Republican challengers. While Biden remains committed to “humane” border practices, conservative leaders warn that unchecked illegal immigration is compromising the nation’s safety and moral values.
Crime Rates on the Rise
The unchecked flow of illegal immigrants brings severe implications for national crime statistics. While the majority of immigrants seek better lives, a significant number are associated with criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent gang activities. Conservative sources emphasize that sanctuary city policies, shielding illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement, have enabled the spread of cartel-driven crime to American neighborhoods that were once peaceful.
Statistics back up these concerns. In states like Texas and Arizona, where illegal immigration is most rampant, crime rates have shown significant increases. For instance, Texas officials report that over 370,000 crimes were committed by illegal immigrants in recent years, including assaults, thefts, and even homicides. In sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, residents face heightened violence, often attributed to gang activity linked to illegal immigrant populations. These cities have become a testing ground for lenient immigration policies, with dire consequences for law-abiding citizens.
Economic Strain: A Looming Crisis
America’s economy has taken a direct hit from the influx of illegal immigration. The Biden administration’s tolerance for undocumented migrants has placed additional burdens on education, healthcare, housing, and social services across the nation. Conservative estimates suggest that the U.S. spends over $130 billion annually to accommodate illegal immigrants—resources that could otherwise be invested in American citizens and infrastructure. As more individuals arrive, often without job prospects or income, local communities are stretched thin to support them.
The labor market is also affected, especially for lower-income Americans who compete with illegal immigrants for jobs. Employers may offer these workers lower wages, resulting in depressed income for native-born citizens and legal immigrants alike. This trend contributes to the hollowing out of middle- and working-class job opportunities, further exacerbating income inequality and making it harder for families to achieve the American Dream.
Republican candidates are leveraging these economic impacts to highlight the need for a return to the rule of law. Their proposed solutions, including stricter border control, deportation of criminal aliens, and employment verification, aim to secure jobs and resources for American citizens first—a stance that resonates with conservative voters.
Erosion of American Values
At the core of the immigration debate is a deeper question: what does it mean to be American? The open-border policies espoused by progressives are seen by many conservatives as an erosion of the nation’s sovereignty and moral standards. The traditional image of America as a melting pot—a place for legal immigrants to contribute to the nation and embrace its values—is being threatened. As immigrants bypass legal channels, they enter without taking on the responsibility and values that come with citizenship.
Beyond policy implications, many Americans feel that their sense of national pride is under attack. With waves of people entering the country illegally, some feel that the government is placing a greater value on the needs of outsiders than on its own citizens. Conservative voters see this as a betrayal of the American citizenry and are mobilizing in response. Candidates on the right are pledging to restore the sanctity of American citizenship, a rallying cry that emphasizes the importance of following the law and upholding America’s founding principles.
The Impact on the 2024 Election
Illegal immigration is expected to be a defining issue in the 2024 presidential election, especially in battleground states where crime and economic challenges tied to immigration are front and center. Republican candidates are seizing on this issue, advocating for border policies that prioritize American citizens, increase security, and crack down on criminal networks taking advantage of open borders. Polls show that voters in swing states are increasingly concerned about the country’s porous border and its impact on their daily lives.
While the Biden administration insists on humane treatment and upholding asylum rights, conservative Americans believe that a secure border is essential to maintaining a safe, prosperous, and morally grounded country. The choice in 2024 will be between two starkly different visions for America—one of open borders and “inclusivity” versus one of security, law, and order.
Conclusion
The question facing voters in the upcoming election is whether they want a country where laws are respected, where citizens’ safety is a priority, and where American values remain intact. Illegal immigration is not merely a policy issue; it’s a test of America’s moral compass and commitment to its own people. The 2024 election may prove pivotal in determining the nation’s future approach to immigration, the strength of the economy, and the enduring values that have defined the United States for generations.
The stakes could not be higher. As Americans prepare to cast their votes, they must decide: Do we want an America that prioritizes its citizens, secures its borders, and upholds its foundational principles, or are we willing to gamble with our security, economy, and identity?
I want to know what you think!
Send me your views, thoughts or what’s on your mind and we will feature on our newsletter or show!
Email to [email protected] OR
Leave a text, voice note or voicemail for the show on what your thoughts are at 708-982-0974
Connect with me on Spreely Social CLICK HERE to Check out Spreely Social
And don’t forget to watch us LIVE weekdays at 1p est! CLICK HERE to Watch The Rants of Izzo Show!
-Izzo
