The United States has experienced the largest immigration surge in its history during the Biden administration, surpassing even the migration boom of the Ellis Island era, according to a new analysis.
From 2021 to 2024, an average of 2.4 million immigrants entered the US annually, with about 60% of these migrants crossing the border illegally, as reported by Goldman Sachs. This influx has brought the total net migration during Biden’s tenure to more than 8 million people, a rate that exceeds even the mass arrivals of the 1850s, when the foreign-born population dramatically increased.
Experts point to President Biden’s policies, particularly his welcoming stance toward asylum seekers and the catch-and-release approach at the border, as key factors driving this surge. “What Biden created from day one was chaos,” said Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation. “He sent a clear signal to the world that the borders were open, and the world responded by coming illegally.”
This immigration spike has had a significant impact on US demographics. The foreign-born population in the US now stands at a record 15.2%, surpassing the previous high of 14.8% in 1890. This marks a dramatic shift in the nation’s makeup, reminiscent of the Ellis Island era.
While the Biden administration has downplayed the scale of the problem, many Americans are frustrated with the situation. “For the past four years, we’ve been hearing from the administration that this isn’t a problem,” said Ira Mehlman, a spokesperson for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). “And the American public knows when they’re being lied to.”
The surge in immigration has strained public resources, with critics highlighting the costs to taxpayers, which are estimated to exceed $150 billion annually. Additionally, some studies suggest that the influx has put downward pressure on wages, particularly for Americans without a college education.
Illegal immigration, which accounts for about 60% of new arrivals, has been fueled by several factors, including the expiration of the Trump-era Title 42 policy and turmoil in countries like Haiti, Ukraine, and Venezuela. The Biden administration’s easing of immigration policies, alongside increasing asylum approval rates, has contributed to this record-breaking wave.
Border encounters peaked in 2023, with more than 2.3 million migrants encountered by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The highest spike came in 2022, when migrants rushed to the border following the end of Title 42, fearing an impending crackdown on immigration.
The surge has raised concerns across the nation. Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, argued that the influx has negatively affected public safety, labor markets, and services such as schools, healthcare, and housing. “These systems are all under stress now,” she said.
While some argue that these policies have benefitted the economy, the growing backlash against illegal immigration has led to calls for stricter enforcement. Former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to crack down on immigration and implement mass deportations, may push for similar policies if he returns to office.
The US has faced immigration surges before. The late 1800s migration boom led to the 1924 Immigration Act, which dramatically reduced immigration. However, this law was repealed in 1965, and since then, the US has maintained a more inclusive immigration policy.
With immigration continuing to be a hot-button issue, experts predict that debates over policy will intensify as the next election approaches.
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