Lubbock Times

Yesterday, the House Budget Committee held a hearing titled "The Cost of the Border Crisis" to emphasize the significance of border security and the fiscal implications of President Biden's border policies. Witnesses from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Texas Public Policy Foundation’s “Secure and Sovereign Texas” Initiative, and Kinney County, Texas, testified before the committee to illustrate the impacts of the border crisis, particularly on the southern border, at local, state, and federal levels.

Chairman Arrington (R-TX) stated in his opening remarks that "the greatest national security threat to the American people is posed by these open borders." He highlighted that while the social cost has consistently been presented to the American people, there hasn't been enough discussion about "the financial burden to taxpayers and the fiscal impact." According to studies referenced by FAIR, this cost could be upwards of $400 billion. However, their estimate stands at $150 billion. The majority of this cost is borne by state and local governments who are forced to balance their budgets either through raising taxes or cutting services.

Budget Process Reform Chair Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) criticized President Biden for creating this crisis on his first day in office with actions that have undermined border security and encouraged illegal immigration. Despite an unprecedented surge in illegal immigration, he noted that "the Biden administration chose to deny that there was any problem at all."

Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) voiced concerns about drug trafficking and criminal activities facilitated by lax border control policies. He shared how these issues have affected his home county in Lancaster, which is 2000 miles away from the border.

Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) emphasized that opposition to illegal immigration should not be confused with opposition to legal immigration. He pointed out that those most angered by illegal immigration are often legal immigrants who have followed due process only to see others bypass it.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) questioned the use of parole as a means to bring more people into the United States, suggesting that it is a backdoor method that circumvents visible border crossing.

Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) contrasted the federal government's spending on illegal immigrants, which was over $66 billion in 2023, with its spending on homeless veterans, which was only $3 billion.

Oversight Task Force Chair Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) warned about the role of cartels in exploiting the current situation for their benefit.

The hearing revealed the staggering cost of President Biden’s border crisis, with American taxpayers paying at least $150.7 billion to cover the costs of his open border policies. This burden is in addition to the failed economic policies of this Administration, leaving all Americans to pay the price for these radical policies.