Amidst a surge in illegal border crossings in 2023, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) conducted a thorough examination, shedding light on critical trends and challenges within U.S. immigration enforcement. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 ICE annual report analysis conducted by FAIR revealed alarming increases in the non-detained docket, deficiencies in removals, and a notable shift towards prioritizing social services over law enforcement.
Established in 1979, FAIR, as a non-partisan organization dedicated to immigration-related research and advocacy, aims to promote legal immigration and advocate for effective policies that benefit both Americans and immigrants. Through meticulous research, education, and advocacy, FAIR provides comprehensive analysis and solutions to address the multifaceted challenges posed by immigration.
FAIR's investigations delve into the staggering surge in the non-detained docket, revealing a substantial 6.2 million individuals by the end of FY 2023. This figure, including those in removal proceedings or with final orders of removal, represents a dramatic increase from 3.26 million in FY 2020, with a startling 1.44 million rise in the past year alone.
While confronting over 3.2 million illegal aliens at the border in 2023, FAIR's analysis of the ICE report underscores a concerning record of dismal amounts of removals. Despite a 97.5% increase compared to FY 2022, the absolute number, 142,580, raises questions about the efficacy of existing policies. FAIR emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between removals and expulsions under Title 42 authority, expressing concerns about the administration's approach to detention.
FAIR's investigation exposes the Biden Administration's inclination to eliminate detention, resulting in a decline in the number of aliens detained – reaching 36,845 by the end of FY 2023. Additionally, the issuance of detainers by ICE has seen a drop from over 177,000 in FY 2018 to 165,000 in FY 2023. FAIR emphasizes the critical role of detainers for public safety and questions the underutilization of this tool.
Analyzing the ICE report, FAIR highlighted a redirection of ICE personnel to support border management efforts, with over 1,300 employees contributing 17% of the workforce in 2023. This shift has implications for the effectiveness of arrests, prosecutions, and removals in the interior, prompting concerns about the overall strategy for immigration enforcement.
However, FAIR's investigation does not stop at enforcement challenges. It explores the comprehensive impact of illegal immigration on essential services and taxpayers. Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students alone cost taxpayers approximately $60 billion annually. According to a 2018 Center for Immigration Studies analysis, 63 percent of households headed by a non-citizen reported using at least one welfare program in 2014, compared to 35 percent of native-headed households.
Non-citizen households, compared to native households, exhibit significantly higher use of food programs (45 percent vs. 21 percent for natives) and Medicaid (50 percent vs. 23 percent for natives). The estimated 4.8 million American-born children of illegal aliens, due to an erroneous interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, all received automatic birthright U.S. citizenship.
Mass immigration, coupled with "chain migration," poses challenges for Social Security. The ability of immigrants to sponsor numerous relatives, including elderly family members, raises concerns about overburdening the system rather than rejuvenating the workforce.
The impact on essential services is substantial. Mass immigration places strain on schools, hospitals, and highways. The education of children of illegal immigrants alone costs taxpayers millions annually, while emergency medical expenditures and incarceration costs for illegal aliens add to the financial burden. For more on FAIR visit the website at https://www.fairus.org/