foxnews.com
Illegal Immigrant Numbers Surge to 18.6 Million, Then Plummet Under Trump
A new report estimates 18.6 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. as of March 2025, an 11% increase since June 2023, attributed by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) to Biden-era policies. The Trump administration's subsequent actions have resulted in a sharp decline in border encounters.
- What is the estimated number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. as of March 2025, and how does this compare to previous estimates, highlighting the key policy changes and their apparent effects?
- A new report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. surged to 18.6 million by March 2025, an 11% increase in less than two years and a 28.2% increase since December 2020. This represents a substantial rise compared to FAIR's previous estimate of 16.8 million in June 2023 and 11.7 million in 2013.
- What specific Biden-era policies does FAIR identify as contributing factors to the increase in illegal immigration, and how does the group's definition of "illegal immigrant" differ from standard legal definitions?
- FAIR attributes the surge to Biden-era policies, including the use of humanitarian parole and the release of migrants into the U.S. The report acknowledges the inherent challenges in accurately estimating illegal immigration numbers, citing difficulties in tracking border crossings and overstays. The group contends that even those granted temporary legal presence, such as through parole, remain illegal immigrants under their definition.
- Considering the inherent difficulties in precisely quantifying illegal immigration, what are the potential long-term consequences and implications of the Trump administration's approach on overall immigration patterns and border security?
- The Trump administration's reversal of Biden-era policies and increased deportation efforts have led to a significant drop in border encounters, with February 2025 figures reaching their lowest recorded level. The long-term impact of these policy changes on the overall number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. remains to be seen, but the initial results suggest a notable shift in border dynamics.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline, 'FIRST ON FOX', and the repeated emphasis on the FAIR report's findings, which align with a particular political viewpoint, create a framing bias. The article prioritizes information that supports a narrative of a surge in illegal immigration under the Biden administration and a subsequent decrease under the Trump administration. The sequencing of information, placing the FAIR report's claims prominently and then contrasting them with the Trump administration's actions, reinforces this bias.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "surged," "hawkish immigration group," "border crisis," "unsustainably high levels of immigration," and "invasion." These terms carry strong negative connotations and contribute to a biased tone. More neutral alternatives could include 'increased,' 'immigration reform group,' 'increase in border crossings,' 'high levels of immigration,' and 'increase in border crossings.' The repeated use of "illegal immigrant" instead of 'undocumented immigrant' is also a loaded choice.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on one report from a single organization, FAIR, known for its anti-immigration stance. It omits mention of other reports or data that might offer a different perspective on the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. This omission limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion, presenting a potentially skewed view. Additionally, while acknowledging the inexact science of estimating illegal immigration, the article doesn't explore alternative methodologies or the potential range of error in FAIR's estimates.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as solely a result of Biden administration policies versus the Trump administration's success. It simplifies a complex issue with numerous contributing factors, ignoring economic, social, and international factors influencing migration.
Sustainable Development Goals
The increase in illegal immigration, as reported, can exacerbate existing inequalities. Those who enter the country illegally may face exploitation and lack access to essential services, potentially widening the gap between different socioeconomic groups. Government resources may also be strained, potentially impacting the provision of services to legal residents. The article also highlights that the increase in immigration, both legal and illegal, contributes to unsustainable population growth which could further exacerbate resource inequalities.