Trump-era border policies linked to lower crime and reduced taxpayer costs, CEA warns amnesty could reverse gains

According to a Council of Economic Advisers study, the border enforcement strategy pursued since Donald Trump returned to office has produced measurable public-safety and fiscal benefits, including a sharp drop in monthly apprehensions and 16 months with no illegal entries. The analysis puts the lifetime cost of an illegal immigrant at $166,716, translating to $1.4-$1.9 trillion in total costs under current policy. In contrast, Democratic-aligned amnesty proposals would expand SNAP, HUD and Medicaid spending, adding $36-$47 billion each year and totaling $49 trillion over a decade.

ICE activity has risen, with over 10,000 gang members and more than 2,100 suspected terrorists arrested, while drug seizures have increased by 73 percent year-to-date. Officials attribute the recent decline in violent crime partly to the removal of foreign gang members. The report warns that reversing these enforcement measures could erase the fiscal and safety gains achieved.