Fact Check: "Illegal immigration is a significant issue in the United States"
What We Know
Illegal immigration has been a persistent topic of discussion in the United States, particularly in the context of border security and public safety. According to a report by the House Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded over 140,000 border encounters in October 2024 alone, marking the fourth consecutive October with such high numbers under the Biden-Harris administration (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET). Since the start of Fiscal Year 2021, there have been nearly 11 million encounters, a significant increase from the 3.1 million recorded between FY2017 and FY2020 (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET).
Furthermore, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that there are currently about 18.6 million illegal aliens residing in the U.S., which represents an 11% increase since June 2023 (How Many Illegal Aliens Are in the United States? 2025 Update). This increase in the unauthorized population has raised concerns about public safety, with reports indicating that Border Patrol agents have arrested over 56,000 individuals with criminal convictions since FY2021 (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET).
Analysis
The claim that illegal immigration is a significant issue in the United States is supported by substantial data regarding border encounters and the unauthorized population. The statistics from CBP and FAIR provide a clear picture of the rising numbers of illegal immigrants and the associated public safety concerns. The increase in encounters and arrests of individuals with criminal backgrounds suggests that illegal immigration poses challenges not only to border security but also to community safety (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET, How Many Illegal Aliens Are in the United States? 2025 Update).
However, it is essential to consider the reliability and potential bias of the sources. The House Committee on Homeland Security, which released the "Startling Stats" factsheet, is a political body that may have an agenda to highlight issues related to immigration under the current administration. Similarly, FAIR is known for its advocacy against illegal immigration, which may influence its reporting and estimates (How Many Illegal Aliens Are in the United States? 2025 Update). While the data presented is factual, the interpretation and emphasis on public safety concerns may reflect a particular political stance.
In contrast, broader statistical analyses from sources like Statista provide a more neutral overview of illegal immigration trends without the same political implications (Illegal immigration in the United States - Statistics & Facts). This suggests that while illegal immigration is indeed a significant issue, the framing of this issue can vary depending on the source.
Conclusion
The claim that "illegal immigration is a significant issue in the United States" is True. The evidence presented through various statistics indicates a notable increase in border encounters and the unauthorized population, alongside concerns regarding public safety. However, it is crucial to approach the data with an understanding of the potential biases of the sources involved.
Sources
- CBP Releases May 2025 Monthly Update - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Estimates of the Unauthorized Alien Population Residing in the United States
- STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET: FY2025 Begins with Over 140,000 Border Encounters Nationwide, Worsening Public Safety Crisis Under Biden-Harris Administration
- How Many Illegal Aliens Are in the United States? 2025 Update
- Illegal immigration in the United States - Statistics & Facts
