Large numbers of migrant apprehensions at the southern border have brought immigration and border security to the forefront of voters’ concerns.
Public polling indicates support for former President Donald J. Trump’s tough stance on immigration, while President Biden, who campaigned on reversing Trump’s immigration policies, has recently adopted a more restrictive approach.
Both Trump and Biden have made inaccurate statements regarding border security and illegal immigration. Here is a fact check:
Mr. Trump’s Fabrication of Border Wall Construction
During his presidency, Trump promised to build a 1,000-mile border wall, but only 458 miles were actually constructed, with most of it reinforcing existing barriers. Trump’s claim of building more wall than planned is false.
When Biden halted wall construction, there were still ongoing projects, not all barriers were completed as Trump suggested. Materials were sold at a discount, but the amount sold was not enough to cover 200 miles of wall.
Trump’s border wall expenditures exceeded $6.6 billion, with $10.5 billion earmarked. Biden’s administration sold excess materials and transferred some to other projects.
Exaggerated Claims by Trump on Border Security
Trump’s assertion of the border being the “strongest” ever is debatable, as apprehensions during his tenure were high. His estimate of 16-18 million migrants is hyperbolic, as official encounters are lower.
CBP recorded 9.6 million migrant encounters since Biden took office, but this does not equate to 10 million individuals as some encounters involve repeat offenders. Approximately 1.7 million migrants evaded capture since 2021.
More than 4 million migrants have been turned away or deported under Biden’s administration.
False Claims by Trump on Criminal Migrants and Benefits
Trump’s assertion of criminals being released into the US from other countries lacks evidence. Reports of criminals from Venezuela entering the US are unverified.
Unauthorized immigrants contribute to Social Security and Medicare financially, though they are barred from receiving benefits. Biden’s health care policy applies to Dreamers and does not provide free care to unauthorized migrants.
Recent border policies by both Trump and Biden have been described inaccurately. Biden’s recent asylum policy restricts migrants from seeking asylum under certain conditions.
Biden’s claim of introducing a comprehensive immigration bill on his first day is exaggerated, as the bill was later introduced by Democrats and focused on citizenship pathways, unlike a bipartisan border security bill rejected by Congress.
Biden and Democrats have shifted their stance on illegal crossings, with Biden acknowledging the need to secure the border before pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.
