Fact Check: Illegal immigration into the U.S. has virtually stopped due to President Trump.

Fact Check: "Illegal immigration into the U.S. has virtually stopped due to President Trump."

What We Know

The claim that illegal immigration into the U.S. has "virtually stopped" due to President Trump is a simplification of a more complex situation. Data indicates that illegal immigration levels have fluctuated significantly over the years, influenced by various factors, including presidential policies. According to a Gallup poll, illegal border crossings have decreased sharply in recent years, with a notable drop in the desire among Americans to reduce immigration levels, falling from 55% in 2024 to just 30% today. This shift suggests a growing acceptance of immigration, despite the historical context of Trump's administration, which was marked by strict immigration policies.

Moreover, the Migration Policy Institute noted that while illegal immigration did decrease during Trump's presidency, this trend is not solely attributable to his policies. The ebb and flow of immigration trends are influenced by economic conditions, enforcement practices, and international events.

Analysis

The assertion that illegal immigration has "virtually stopped" under Trump lacks nuance. While there was a significant decrease in illegal border crossings during his administration, the claim relies on selective data that does not account for broader trends. For instance, the PolitiFact analysis highlighted that the Trump administration's claims of a 95% drop in illegal immigration were misleading, as they compared short-term data points without considering the overall context.

Furthermore, the American Immigration Council reported that while migration from Mexico dropped significantly, the overall dynamics of immigration are complex, with many undocumented immigrants leaving the U.S. rather than entering. This indicates that while enforcement measures may have had an impact, they are part of a larger picture that includes economic and social factors.

The Gallup poll also reveals that public sentiment towards immigration has shifted positively, with a record-high 79% of Americans considering immigration beneficial to the country. This suggests that while illegal immigration may have decreased, it has not "virtually stopped," and public attitudes are evolving towards a more accepting stance on immigration.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that illegal immigration into the U.S. has "virtually stopped" due to President Trump is partially true in that there was a notable decrease in illegal crossings during his administration. However, this statement oversimplifies the situation and does not account for the broader trends and complexities surrounding immigration. The decrease in illegal immigration cannot be solely attributed to Trump's policies, as various factors contribute to these dynamics. Additionally, public sentiment towards immigration has shifted positively, indicating that the landscape of immigration is more nuanced than the claim suggests.

Fact Check: Illegal immigration into the U.S. has virtually stopped due to President Trump.