Examining the Facts on Immigration Policies
In the realm of immigration, the Trump Administration has consistently emphasised a strict enforcement agenda, painting a picture of an "invasion" at the southern border and declaring a "national emergency." However, a closer look at the facts reveals a more nuanced and less alarming situation.
Recent data from the U.S. government shows that illegal border crossings have dropped to historic lows under this administration. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported the lowest monthly illegal crossing encounters ever recorded in June 2025, with 25,228 encounters nationwide and just 6,072 apprehensions at the southwest border - a significant decrease from previous years [1].
Despite the strong immigration enforcement push by the Trump administration, the overall foreign-born population in the U.S. has hit record highs at the start of 2025, growing by more than one-third in 16 states since early 2021 [2]. This long-term growth is due to new arrivals outpacing departures and mortality among immigrants.
Contrary to the administration's claims, there is no evidence of a large influx of young gang members crossing the border. Undocumented immigrants are not a threat, and there is little evidence of a significant number of young gang members coming across the border [3].
The Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy has resulted in immigrants being taken into custody and charged with a misdemeanor, leading to indefinite jailing until they appear before an Immigration judge. However, it's important to note that children cannot be held indefinitely. A 1997 court decision (Flores v. Reno) requires the federal government to place children with a close relative or family friend "without unnecessary delay," rather than keeping them in custody [4].
The public opinion on immigration has also shifted in 2025. Gallup polling indicates that American concern about immigration has declined sharply compared to the previous year. Only 30% now want immigration reduced, and a record 79% consider immigration good for the country [5]. Support for harsh enforcement measures like a border wall or mass deportation has dropped, while more Americans favour pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. [5].
In summary, while border security is indeed tighter with fewer illegal crossings, the broader immigration context involves sustained increases in the foreign-born population and a public mood that does not fully align with the heightened alarmism and "invasion" rhetoric used by Trump. It's crucial to separate fact from rhetoric when discussing immigration policies and their impacts.
References:
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Data
- U.S. Census Bureau Data
- American Immigration Council Report
- Flores v. Reno Court Decision
- Gallup Poll Data
- Amidst the decrease in illegal border crossings and the shifting public opinion on immigration, the discourse in American politics extends beyond border security to include general-news topics such as immigration reform and the integration of the record-high foreign-born population into society.
- Despite efforts aimed at intensifying immigration enforcement under the Trump Administration, crime-and-justice concerns related to gang violence or significant numbers of young gang members crossing the border remain largely unfounded, according to various reports and court decisions.
