The Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies have been a focal point of criticism as record numbers of migrants, crime, and drug trafficking have plagued the U.S.-Mexico border. Vice President Kamala Harris, dubbed the administration’s “border czar,” has failed to deliver on promises to fix the immigration system. Since President Joe Biden took office in 2021, illegal border crossings and related challenges such as drug smuggling have surged to historic levels, putting immense pressure on U.S. communities, the economy, and public safety.
Record-Breaking Border Crossings
Under the Biden administration, illegal immigration has surged to the highest levels on record. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an estimated 1.72 million people were encountered at the southern border in 2021, marking an all-time high. This number increased to 2.76 million encounters in 2022, and 2023 numbers are expected to surpass these figures, with daily crossings averaging 8,000-9,000 people. Over the span of a year, this equates to approximately 3.5 million border encounters—an unprecedented level of migration.
The administration’s policies, including its decision to end the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” program, which required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting their U.S. court hearings, have been a key factor in these numbers. Additionally, the rollback of Title 42, a pandemic-era policy allowing for the swift expulsion of migrants, has further exacerbated the issue, leading to higher numbers of crossings.
Kamala Harris’ Role and Failures as “Border Czar”
Vice President Kamala Harris was tasked with managing the border crisis and addressing its root causes in March 2021, yet her approach has been largely ineffective. Rather than focusing on securing the U.S. border, Harris has emphasized addressing the “root causes” of migration in Central American countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. While her strategy aims to address poverty, corruption, and violence in these regions, it has done little to stem the flow of migrants.
Harris’ inaction has been particularly criticized given her limited engagement with the border itself. Despite her role, she did not visit the border until June 2021, three months after being appointed to the position. Her visit came after mounting political pressure, and even then, critics argue that it lacked substance and failed to deliver concrete solutions.
Economic Strain and Employment Concerns
The uncontrolled influx of migrants has placed an economic burden on local communities, particularly in border states like Texas and Arizona. The strain on social services—healthcare, education, and housing—has significantly increased, with state and local governments struggling to accommodate the growing population. The cost of healthcare for undocumented immigrants, for instance, continues to skyrocket, putting stress on already stretched resources.
Moreover, the large influx of low-skilled workers is contributing to wage suppression, particularly for U.S. citizens in lower-income jobs. Industries such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality often hire undocumented immigrants, which can lead to unfair competition for American workers, especially in states already grappling with high unemployment rates. According to a Center for Immigration Studies report, undocumented workers account for approximately 8% of the U.S. workforce in certain industries, further complicating job prospects for native-born citizens.
Crime and Drug Trafficking
Crime and drug smuggling, particularly of fentanyl, have also surged as border enforcement has weakened. According to a Department of Justice report, 64% of federal arrests in 2018 involved noncitizens, even though they make up only about 7% of the population. These statistics reflect a troubling trend in illegal activity among some segments of the undocumented population.
The most pressing concern, however, is the rise of drug smuggling operations run by cartels. The DEA reports that cartels have taken advantage of the surge in migrant crossings, using chaos at the border to smuggle drugs into the U.S. In particular, fentanyl—an extremely potent synthetic opioid—has become a serious problem. In 2022, U.S. authorities seized enough fentanyl to kill every American multiple times over, according to the CBP. The CDC estimates that more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2022, with fentanyl being the leading cause.
The administration’s failure to effectively secure the border has allowed cartels to exploit vulnerable migrants, many of whom are trafficked or subjected to violence. Harris’ repeated claims that she is working on a long-term solution have been criticized as too slow and detached from the immediate crisis at hand.
Why Hasn’t Progress Been Made?
The Democratic Party has controlled the White House for 12 of the last 16 years, and for 8 of those years, they held both houses of Congress. Despite this, comprehensive immigration reform has remained elusive. While Democrats frequently tout humane and progressive immigration policies, their failure to deliver substantive reforms has led to worsening conditions at the border. A key reason for this is the ideological divide within the party itself, with some members advocating for stronger border security while others push for more lenient, pro-immigrant policies.
Another major factor is political calculation. Immigration is a deeply polarizing issue, and any effort to pass meaningful reform risks alienating key voting blocs. The Biden administration’s indecisiveness on border enforcement has reflected this internal conflict, resulting in half-hearted measures that have only worsened the crisis.
Conclusion
The Biden-Harris administration’s approach to immigration has been marked by record-high border crossings, escalating crime, and increasing drug smuggling. Kamala Harris, who was appointed to oversee the border crisis, has failed to deliver on her promises to fix the system, while the administration’s policies have led to economic strain, wage suppression, and rising fentanyl deaths across the country. The time for real immigration reform is long overdue, and continued inaction will only further erode faith in the administration’s ability to govern effectively.
