Incoming Border Czar Thomas Homan emphasizes that securing the U.S.-Mexico border will significantly benefit the American labor market, leading to increased wages for American workers. In a recent interview with the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI), Homan highlighted President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to enhancing border security and implementing extensive deportation measures aimed at illegal immigrants. According to Homan, the current employment of illegal aliens contributes to wage suppression among American workers, and addressing this issue is essential for improving economic conditions. By enforcing stricter border policies, Homan anticipates a rise in wages as job opportunities for Americans rebuild in various sectors that have been adversely affected by illegal labor.
Homan shared a poignant example illustrating the impact of illegal immigration on American jobs: a father-son repair crew that previously employed 20 American workers was forced to lay them off due to competition from companies utilizing low-wage illegal labor. This situation portrays the broader struggles faced by legitimate businesses trying to thrive in an environment where they cannot compete against unfair wage practices stemming from illegal employment. The larger narrative portrays illegal employment not merely as a nuisance but as a significant threat to the livelihoods of American workers, indicating that stricter border enforcement is a crucial step towards economic rehabilitation.
Beyond economic factors, Homan asserts that securing the border will yield additional societal benefits. He argues that a closed border will help mitigate the tragic rise in overdose deaths in America and significantly reduce the instances of sex trafficking, particularly of vulnerable women and girls. By preventing illegal entry, resources that are currently being overstretched due to rising migrant numbers can be preserved for American citizens. The anticipated enforcement operation that Homan describes is expected to be comprehensive and targeted, resembling an unprecedented approach to deportation in U.S. history, signifying a significant shift in immigration policy.
While public attention has primarily focused on the deportation of those with criminal records, Homan insists that the forthcoming efforts will encompass all illegal immigrants. He emphasizes that legality is the primary concern, regardless of an individual’s criminal background. This suggests a rigorous approach to immigration enforcement that does not prioritize certain individuals over others simply based on their past offenses. Homan’s statements suggest that anyone residing in the country illegally will face repercussions, reflecting a zero-tolerance stance toward illegal immigration that underscores the administration’s commitment to lawfulness.
Homan is encouraging illegal immigrants to take proactive steps to leave the country voluntarily, advising that doing so could help them avoid punitive legal ramifications such as lengthy bans on future re-entry. He highlights a system of legal consequences that could severely limit their ability to return to the U.S., such as 5, 10, or even 20-year bans, depending on the situation. By urging self-deportation, Homan aims to lessen the burden on U.S. immigration enforcement and encourage illegal residents to comply with immigration laws. His message aims to instill a sense of urgency among those in the country illegally, underscoring that their time may be running out and that enforcement actions are inevitable.
The estimated number of illegal aliens in the United States ranges from 11 to 22 million, a statistic that underscores the magnitude of work that lies ahead for the new administration. In addition, Homan points out that the current climate under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s administration has seen the arrival of around 8 million migrants, many of whom do not possess valid asylum claims. This influx raises concerns and amplifies the need for a robust immigration policy that balances enforcement with fairness, aiming to restore order and security at the southern border. The broader implications of these developments reflect a contentious and ongoing debate over how best to approach immigration and labor issues in the United States moving forward.