Fact Check: The southern border of the U.S. is a major entry point for immigrants.

Fact Check: "The southern border of the U.S. is a major entry point for immigrants."

What We Know

The southern border of the United States has been identified as a significant entry point for immigrants, particularly in recent years. According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there have been over 140,000 border encounters nationwide in October 2024 alone, with more than 100,000 occurring at the Southwest border. This marks a continuation of a trend where total encounters since Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 are nearing 11 million, a stark increase from just 3.1 million during FY 2017-2020 (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET).

Furthermore, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the Border Crossing/Entry Data covers inbound crossings at land ports, which include significant traffic at the southern border (Border Crossing/Entry Data). This data indicates that the southern border is not only a major entry point but also a focal area for immigration enforcement and policy discussions.

Analysis

The claim that the southern border is a major entry point for immigrants is supported by substantial data. The statistics released by CBP highlight a dramatic increase in encounters, especially at the Southwest border, which has been a focal point for immigration policy and enforcement (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET). The increase in encounters includes various categories of individuals, such as unaccompanied alien children and family units, further emphasizing the border's role as a significant entry point.

However, it is important to consider the context of this data. The figures come from a report by the House Committee on Homeland Security, which may have a political agenda that influences the framing of the statistics. The language used in the report suggests a focus on public safety concerns associated with immigration, which could introduce bias (STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET).

On the other hand, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides a more neutral presentation of border crossing data, focusing on the logistics of border entry without the political implications (Border Crossing/Entry Data). This source is generally considered reliable as it is a government agency that processes and validates data from CBP.

Conclusion

The claim that "the southern border of the U.S. is a major entry point for immigrants" is True. The evidence from multiple sources, including CBP and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, confirms that the southern border experiences significant immigration activity. While the context and presentation of this data may vary, the underlying statistics support the assertion that the southern border is a critical entry point for immigrants.

Fact Check: The southern border of the U.S. is a major entry point for immigrants.