Immigration Activists and Studies Highlight Lower Crime Rates among Illegal Immigrants
Republicans are seeking to uncover the truth behind the potential correlation between rising crime rates in major cities and uncontrolled immigration. Led by Rep. Pete Sessions, a group of 23 lawmakers has written a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting data on incarcerations, arrests, crimes, convictions, costs, and removals of noncitizens. This move comes as the Biden administration grapples with an ongoing border crisis.
Concerns over Crime and Immigration
With a series of charges against illegal immigrants, including rape and drug trafficking, Republicans are pushing for a deeper understanding of the relationship between illegal immigration and the current criminal alien population. Despite immigration activists and studies pointing to lower crime rates among illegal immigrants compared to the general population, Republicans argue that comprehensive data is essential to evaluate the situation accurately.
Request to Update GAO Report
The last report on “Criminal Alien Statistics” by the GAO was published in 2018, predating the migrant crises of the Trump and Biden eras. The lawmakers are calling for an updated study that includes information on incarcerated noncitizens in federal and state prisons, as well as local jails. The goal is to better comprehend the impact of increased illegal immigration on rising crime rates.
Bipartisan Divide on Immigration
While Republicans demand stricter border controls and attribute the crisis to the Biden administration’s rollback of Trump-era policies, Democrats and the administration argue that the system is broken and requires comprehensive immigration reform. The ongoing debate in Congress centers on asylum limits, the use of parole, and increased funding for border security.
Republican Stance
According to Rep. Sessions, the border crisis has led to an increase in violent crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in communities that were once relatively safe. Although the direct link between rising crime and illegal immigration remains uncertain, Sessions emphasizes the need for data to fully understand the impact of President Biden’s open border policy. The requested update to the 2018 GAO report aims to provide the necessary information for a comprehensive evaluation.