Record Surge in Illegal Immigration Documented Amid Biden Administration Policies

FIRST ON FOX: A recent study reveals that the illegal immigrant population in the United States has surged to over 18 million, a significant rise attributed to policies enacted during the Biden administration. This increase represents an 11% jump over a period of less than two years, according to research conducted by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

As of March 2025, FAIR estimates the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. to be approximately 18.6 million. This marks an increase from the 16.8 million estimated in June 2023, indicating a growth of 4.1 million or 28.2% since December 2020.

In its assessment, FAIR highlights that American population growth is largely driven by unsustainable immigration levels, both legal and illegal. The group’s report articulates that the effects of these patterns are increasingly visible in various sectors of American society.

FAIR’s data also points to a historical context, noting that the illegal immigrant population was approximately 11.7 million in 2013. The organization defines illegal immigrants as individuals lacking legal status, including those on temporary humanitarian relief or status.

Humanitarian Parole and Its Implications

The Biden administration expanded the use of humanitarian parole as a strategy to manage escalating illegal border crossings. This system allowed migrants to enter the country after scheduling appointments through the CBP One app and included programs that enabled migrants to fly in after securing travel authorization.

FAIR contends that despite being referred to as having a lawful presence, individuals under humanitarian parole do not possess legal status. Thus, they should not be classified as legally residing in the country. This perspective emphasizes a distinctive interpretation of immigration law.

Counting the Uncountable

In generating estimates, FAIR utilizes Census Data while accounting for what they believe is a severe undercount of illegal arrivals. The group’s analysis suggests an undercount of nearly 40%. However, they acknowledge the inherent limitations in accurately estimating the illegal immigrant population.

FAIR explains that determining the size and characteristics of this population is complex. Accurate numbers of individuals crossing the border illegally, overstays, or those who evade immigration authorities remain elusive. Their figures derive from annual and monthly census data points, reflecting broader trends in immigration.

Policies Influencing Immigration Trends

The report attributes the surge in immigrant numbers during the Biden administration to various policies, including those related to border management and the release of migrants into the U.S. It critiques what it describes as an abuse of parole authority.

With the transition of power, the Trump administration initiated significant changes, reversing several policies set by Biden. These changes included the cessation of humanitarian parole programs and increased deployment of military resources to the border in response to immigration challenges.

Since these policy shifts, the Trump administration has reported sharp declines in border encounters. For instance, in February, there were just 8,326 southern border encounters, a dramatic decrease from 189,913 in February 2024. Furthermore, more than 55,000 illegal immigrants have reportedly been removed from the U.S. under these new enforcement strategies.

Trump’s Assertive Stance on Border Security

Following his assumption of office, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, emphasizing the urgency of addressing what he termed an invasion. His administration has taken credit for the significant reduction in illegal border crossings, claiming records lower than ever recorded.

President Trump commented on these developments, stating, “They heard my words, and they chose not to come.” This statement reflects his belief that decisive policies and rhetoric can directly influence migration patterns.

Looking Forward: The Future of Immigration Policy

As the U.S. continues to grapple with immigration issues, the role of policy decisions will remain at the forefront of debates. With conflicting perspectives on immigration and border security, upcoming political discussions are likely to take center stage. The intricate dynamics of immigration both from a humanitarian perspective and the legal ramifications highlight the need for comprehensive reform.

In conclusion, the current immigration landscape is shaped by a confluence of factors, including legal interpretations, policy approaches, and social realities. As data emerges, understanding the implications of these shifts will be critical in shaping future immigration frameworks. Continuous analysis will be necessary to address the complexities inherent in American immigration policy.