Breaking News from NYT: Border Enforcement Reduces Illegal Immigration
By Andrew R. Arthur on May 9, 2023
The New York Times finally conceded this week that “The stringency of border security” influences the number of migrants who enter the United States illegally. It was a remarkable concession from the Gray Lady, but unfortunately it appeared in an article in which there is so much that is wrong, as well – not least of which that the article poisons the very conversation it contends to be sparking.
“Pull Factors in the U.S. Matter”. Here is the full quote in context:
The surge of migrants gathering at the U.S.-Mexico border underscores a point that Democratic Party politicians often try to play down: U.S. border policy has a big effect on how many people try to enter the country illegally.
. . .
When Democrats and progressive activists talk about undocumented immigration, they tend to emphasize forces in other countries — like wars and political oppression — that are beyond the control of the U.S. government. And these outside issues do influence migration flows. The collapse of Venezuela’s economy is a recent example. Experts refer to such forces as “push factors,” because they push people out of their home countries.
But “pull factors” in the U.S. matter as well. The strength of the economy is one. The stringency of border security is another.
When the U.S. makes it difficult for people to enter the country illegally, fewer people make the journey north to try. When the U.S. sends signals that people will be able to cross the border even without permission, and potentially remain here for years, more people attempt to do so.
https://cis.org/Arthur/Breaking-News-NYT-Border-Enforcement-Reduces-Illegal-Immigration
