A huge number of illegal migrants are entering the United States through its southern borders. In February, the patrol forces recorded 130,000 cross-border entries. This population influx can have various negative impacts on the southern US states, including Texas, Arizona, California and New Mexico.
A large influx of migrants can put a significant strain on local resources such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. This can lead to an increased competition for resources among locals and migrants, creating tension between the two. The probable effects of this mass migration are illustrated in the coming paragraphs.
Unemployment
Currently, the unemployment rate of Texas is 3.90%. This figure is increasing since the start of 2023. The unemployment rate in California is 4.2%. which is continuously increasing since 2022. Other nearby states, such as New Mexico and Arizona, also have significant unemployment rates.
The new settlers will require jobs. They will add to the saturated workforce, leaving the jobs of natives vulnerable. The states won’t be able to cater to the needs of the influx of migrants due to its limited resources. An already increasing unemployment rate will further increase.
Crime
Some people abuse the opportunity of immigration by engaging in criminal activities. This includes drug trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities. It will deteriorate the law and order situation in these states, and increase the risk of violence. The increased crime can put a burden on law enforcement agencies. In order to deal with the increased crime rate, the local governments would be required to reserve more funds for the law enforcements agencies. More funds will require more taxation on the people.
Economic Burden
The cost of providing services and support to migrants can be substantial, especially for smaller border communities that may not have the resources to cope. This can lead to a pressure on the local economy and create financial challenges for local governments.
Increased population influx can put the economy towards a downhill trajectory. The government has to spend millions of dollars to cater the needs of migrants. Each year, the US government spends $116 million on welfare programs for immigrants. The immigrants, however, do not reciprocate to the economy as they do not pay any taxes.
Public Health
Texas is the worst state when it comes to health. Around a quarter of its population is uninsured. It is mainly because of costly healthcare access. New immigrants won’t be able to afford healthcare. Therefore, they will turn to public healthcare system, which will put a strain on the government resources.
Arizona ranks 43 out of 50 states in public healthcare access. New Mexico ranks 48 out of 50, which is worst in all these four neighboring states. By allowing more influx of people within the state territories, the government will likely face a health crisis. COVID-19 has not completely left the picture. Population influx can also increase the risk of the spread of diseases, especially in cases where migrants are not vaccinated. This can put a burden on local healthcare systems and increase the chances of outbreaks. A pandemic outbreak can cripple the healthcare system and the overall economy in the long-run.
Racism
Mass migration can also create divisions, especially when communities are not prepared to handle the increase. Racial discrimination is common in the US. A further influx of Hispanic people coming from Mexico can lead to resentment and hostility towards them. According to Pew research, Latinos are the second most hated community in the US. This hatred increases particularly when the natives feel that the newcomers have ‘hijacked’ their jobs and spaces in various fields.
Therefore, an increase in population influx might increase racial marginalization in these communities. Such an environment acts as an enabler of crime and delinquency.
Social Security
The population influx can also affect social security by destabilizing the financial system. The US government has reserved over $2.4 trillion for social security benefits. In the last year, the reserved amount was $1.2 trillion. Rising immigration is among the reasons behind this surge in social security spending.
Revoking the Section 42 in this time and economy is equivalent of imposing more taxation on the people. More people will apply for social security benefits which will force the government to increase its revenue sources. The migrants indulge mostly in low-paying jobs and daily wages thus cannot contribute to the financial system. In other words, the native citizens will have to feed the mouths of the incoming migrants.
Supporting Title 42
There are some benefits associated with globalization. But the diaspora entering the United States through its southern borders is skill-less and poverty-stricken. Instead of contributing to the society, it will be a hurdle in its growth. The governments of the concerned states must note that if section 42 is not implemented countrywide, the number of people entering the US from these borders will increase. This will increase unemployment, crime and racism in these states. The local economy, healthcare and social security will also be affected. Such factors will put more pressure on the state and local government. Soon, the people will start criticizing the government for not caring for its native people.
It should be noted that the Covid emergency in the US is not expired yet. The country is not pandemic-free. According to Title 42, the government must expel immigrants to prevent contagious diseases. The southern states, including Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico, are not free from Covid. Arizona has more than 4,000 Covid-positive cases. Similarly, Texas was reported to have 1,000 more Covid cases recently. Therefore, it is imperative that the Title 42 becomes active and the cross-border migration comes to a halt with immediate effect.
The state senators and representatives must realize that implementing Title 42 is in the best interest of the states. National health is a matter of national interest. Therefore, members of both Republican and Democratic parties must join hands for countrywide implementation of this policy. Bills favoring this policy from both houses, Senate and HOR, must be introduced. A joint association should persuade the Biden administration to continue to advocate the necessary expulsions under Title 42.
