Biden-Era Migrant Surge Hits 31 States, Strains US Coast Guard

Under President Joe Biden's administration, the United States has experienced an extraordinary surge in both legal and illegal immigration, with significant population growth in 31 states and a marked shift of the foreign-born population towards the South. This influx includes a sharp increase in maritime illegal immigration, particularly via boats from politically and economically unstable Caribbean nations like Haiti and Cuba, as well as crossings along the California coast. The U.S. Coast Guard has been overwhelmed by the rising number of interdictions, facing dangerous conditions with overcrowded and often unsafe vessels, which has created unique challenges for law enforcement and national security. Experts warn that the surge in maritime migration is not only a humanitarian concern but also a public safety and security threat, exacerbated by policies perceived as lax enforcement of immigration laws. The Biden administration's rollback of previous enforcement measures has been cited as a key factor encouraging these risky crossings, prompting calls for increased support and resources for the Coast Guard to address the crisis. Overall, the situation reflects a complex, ongoing border and immigration challenge impacting multiple states and requiring urgent federal attention.