Lubbock Times

Last week, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) joined the Executive Director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Julie Kirchner, on FAIR’s podcast series “Understanding Immigration” to discuss the fiscal impacts of President Biden’s border policies.

Chairman Arrington emphasized the financial burden that immigration imposes on the federal deficit. He stated, "What I don't think people focus on enough is the financial cost to our country, a country that is already at the highest levels of indebtedness in the history of our country, surpassing World War II, which was the previous highest level of indebtedness."

Arrington highlighted that the current debt as a percentage of total economic output stands at 120 percent and noted that this figure exists during relative peace and prosperity. He pointed out that the annual deficit is $2 trillion and nearly $1 trillion is spent just to service this debt, which exceeds national defense spending.

"The last thing we need to be doing is bearing the brunt of a $9,000 per taxpayer cost on account of a self-inflicted crisis because this Administration has failed to enforce the laws," he added. According to Arrington, this situation threatens not only livelihoods but also the balance sheet of the federal government.

Addressing federal and state power dynamics, Arrington remarked, "The federal government under this Administration not only is failing to secure the border and enforce immigration laws but they are also obstructing Texas and other states from assuming that responsibility." He suggested that whether states have an inherent right of self-defense might eventually be adjudicated by the Supreme Court.

On broader threats posed by immigration, Arrington said, "The rule of law...is a pillar of our Constitutional Republic. If you lose that...you lose security." He cited FAIR's estimate that supporting illegal immigrants costs $150 billion annually at a time when Social Security and Medicare face insolvency and national debt approaches $35 trillion.

He further referenced reports from Doctors Without Borders about women suffering sexual assaults due to terrorist cartels. "This should be enough to get every American interested," he stated.

In summary, President Biden’s border policies have led to significant increases in migrant crossings. FAIR calculated that illegal immigration costs $150 billion annually. Chairman Arrington expressed his commitment to working with FAIR to address these issues and restore fiscal responsibility.