Immigration policy has long been a contentious issue in the United States, but the debate surrounding open borders goes beyond humanitarian concerns. Critics argue that the push for open borders and leniency in immigration enforcement is less about compassion and more about securing political advantages. Are there nefarious motivations behind such policies, and will they have profound implications for the nation?
The Political Calculus Behind Open Borders
While immigration is often framed as a humanitarian issue by the left, the political implications cannot be ignored. A closer look at the policies and rhetoric surrounding open borders reveals a strategic effort to shape the electorate:
Demographic Shifts Favoring One Party
Advocates for open borders, particularly among progressive circles, are well aware of changing demographics and their potential to influence elections. By increasing the number of immigrants, liberal proponents believe they can secure a reliable voting bloc for years to come.
Historically, immigrants from Latin America and other regions tend to lean Democratic, given the party’s stance on social programs, immigration reform, and minority rights. But, as the 2024 presidential election showed us, that demographic skewed heavily Republican this time around. Perhaps this was a one-off because they trusted Donald Trump far more on the economy than Kamala Harris’ continuation of Joe Biden’s policies, or it illustrates a broader, more lasting change that reflects the tight family ties and Catholic heritage of many Hispanic families.
In the past four years the country of origin for illegal immigrants had also been vastly altered. While Hispanics may still represent the most significant portion of crossings, illegal aliens now also hail from China, Africa, and the Middle East. These folks are not simply walking from our neighbors to the South for jobs picking fruit in California. Nope. They have meticulously planned flights into Mexico and other South American nations and then joined in the caravans heading North to America.
The Decline of Deportations
Enforcement of immigration laws has waned in recent years, with fewer deportations and an increasing focus on integrating undocumented immigrants. Critics argue that the reluctance to deport is not driven solely by humanitarian concerns but by the desire to retain potential voters.
Pathways to Citizenship
Efforts to provide pathways to citizenship for illegal immigrants, such as the DREAM Act and other proposals, are often championed under the guise of compassion by liberal politicians and the mainstream media. However, these policies could also expand the voter base in favor of the left, reinforcing the argument that political strategy is a driving force.
Claims for asylum have jumped dramatically over the course of the Biden administration. Historically, asylum claims were uttered by escaping political prisoners, dissidents, and activists or representative of minority religious from authoritarian countries. Now, anyone fleeing a country that had a substantial natural disaster (like Haiti) or from a South America nation controlled by drug lords, are attempting to garner a Green Card under United States asylum statutes.
Humanitarian vs. Political Motives
While many individuals genuinely support immigration reform for humanitarian reasons, the institutional push for open borders raises questions about priorities.
- Humanitarian Rhetoric: Supporters of open borders often highlight stories of families fleeing violence, economic instability, or natural disasters. These narratives evoke sympathy and underscore the need for asylum and aid. Yet, they do not take into account the drain on community resources such as housing, school enrollment, and public safety and health services – and massive use of taxpayers funds to cover their daily needs.
- Policy Inconsistencies: Despite humanitarian messaging, policies often fail to address root causes or provide sustainable solutions. Instead, they focus on measures that increase immigration without addressing systemic challenges.
- Backlash: Those against liberal open border policies withstand often being dubbed a racist while pointing out that taxpayer dollars, services, and housing space should be used first to get every American veteran under roof and cared for before a single dime is spent caring for immigrants of any type.
“Hispanics Will Do the Dirty Work”: The Undercurrent of Exploitation
A comment overheard in a bar, attributed to a liberal supporter of open borders, sheds light on another troubling aspect of the debate. The statement that “Hispanics will do the dirty work blacks do not want to do” reflects a mindset of exploitation rather than equality:
- Economic Utilitarianism: Immigrants are often seen as a source of cheap labor, filling roles in agriculture, construction, and domestic work. This employment dynamic drives wages down and causes economic suffering for American families.
- Racial Dynamics: Such statements reveal a disturbing view of immigrants as a tool to address labor shortages rather than as individuals deserving of dignity and opportunity. It also assumes Hispanic and Black Americans are solely blue collar workers and do not also own small businesses, run companies, or possess academic credentials allowing them to truly achieve the American dream simply because of the color of their skin.
The Consequences of Open Border Policies
The push for open borders, whether driven by political or humanitarian motives, has far-reaching consequences for the nation:
Strain on Resources
- Increased immigration without adequate infrastructure leads to overcrowded schools, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and housing shortages.
- Taxpayers bear the burden, further polarizing the issue.
Social Fragmentation
- Rapid demographic changes can create tensions in communities, particularly when resources are limited, or integration efforts are insufficient.
- This can lead to resentment and political polarization.
National Security Concerns
- Lax border enforcement increases the risk of illegal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and potential entry of individuals with malicious intent.
Erosion of Rule of Law
- Policies that ignore or undermine immigration laws create a sense of injustice among citizens who follow the rules and legal immigrants who wait years to obtain residency or citizenship.
Conclusion: A Need for Honest Debate
The issue of open borders is far more complex than it is often presented in brief news coverage and in sound bites by politicians on social media. While compassion and aid for those in need are essential, the political motivations and unintended consequences behind such policies deserve greater scrutiny.
For a truly effective immigration policy, the focus must shift to sustainable solutions that balance humanitarian goals with national interests. This requires honest dialogue, transparent intentions, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of illegal and legal, immigration.
The debate over immigration is not just about borders—it’s about the values and future of America. Only by confronting the political strategies and biases at play can we hope to achieve a fair and equitable system for all.
Why do you think the Biden administration and liberal politicians steadfastly support an open borders policy?
Tara Dodrill is a self-reliance author, educator, and patriot homesteader in Appalachia. She studied journalism at Ohio University and previously served several terms as a town council member in her hometown. Dodrill worked as the editor of her county's newspaper before shifting her focus to writing books and hosting the largest hands-on homesteading, survival, and bushcraft annual event in the United States.
Mike Dentin
Mike is a special op-ed contributor to informed.org.