Fact Check: The Truth Behind the 20 Million Immigrant Figure Under Biden

The Claim: Misleading Numbers and Political Rhetoric

In recent discourse, several Republican figures, including Stephen Miller, have posited that around 20 million undocumented immigrants have entered the United States since President Biden took office. This claim, proliferating across media platforms, raises significant questions about its accuracy, especially against the backdrop of more robust data from credible sources.

"The breaking news tonight is saying that his government is going to accelerate efforts to review every single person added to this country over the last four years, all 20 million," Miller stated on Fox News, following a tragic shooting incident in Washington, D.C. Such sweeping assertions often overlook the nuances of immigration data and its implications.

The Facts According to Pew Research

According to a report by the Pew Research Center, the undocumented population in the U.S. touched 14 million in 2023, the highest recorded figure. This new estimate signifies a notable rise from previously estimated numbers, which hovered around 11 million.

The same reporting indicates that under the Trump administration, the undocumented population saw a decline due to stricter immigration policies. However, to attribute the entire population increase to Biden without analytical substantiation is misleading. Alex Nowrasteh, Senior VP for Policy at the Cato Institute, described these inflated figures as "exaggerations", despite acknowledging a rise in undocumented residents during Biden's tenure.

Understanding Border Encounters

It's crucial to differentiate between immigration encounters and actual successful entries into the U.S. The term "encounters" as used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, refers to any instance where an individual is detected attempting to cross the border. This metric does not equate to permanent migration. For example, individuals can be returned, expelled, or processed, highlighting the fluid and often chaotic nature of immigration.

• Some individuals may be expelled immediately, others can be formally deported, and some enter prolonged processing phases.
• Repeat crossers may be counted multiple times, further obfuscating the true number of unique individuals entering the country.

This misunderstanding of data has fueled political claims that erroneously equate raw encounter figures with permanent additions to the immigrant populace. Current figures indicate that migration rates are complicated by voluntary departures; the Department of Homeland Security reported over 2 million undocumented migrants have exited the U.S., with many doing so voluntarily.

Conclusion: Parsing Political Rhetoric from Reality

Ultimately, attributing the increase of 20 million immigrants to Biden's administration stands on shaky ground. The factual record shows a significant transition, but political discourse often skews public perceptions. The undocumented population, while substantial, requires a nuanced approach to fully understand the complex human realities involved.

As we navigate this contentious landscape, it's imperative to remain cautious and discerning, prioritizing factual integrity over political sensationalism.

Shaping the Future of Immigration Policy

The discussion surrounding immigration is not merely statistical but intrinsically linked to human experiences and societal implications. Striking an equitable balance in policy discussions will be essential in creating sustainable immigration strategies.