The Migrant Industrial Complex

Sanctuary cities equal big profits for some and problems for many

Introduction

I’m a third generation immigrant. My grandmother’s family moved to Texas from Chihuahua in the early half of the 20th century.

They came for a better life and more opportunity. They were by no means poor and they came legally. My great grandfather was a wealthy entrepreneur and moved to further his business opportunities in El Paso, Texas.

I’ve always thought that more immigration is better. Immigrants add value to our culture and economy. Of course, I’m in favor of going through the appropriate channels and immigrating legally.

In 2020, when I ran for office, I expressed support for sanctuary cities. It seemed to me that once people were here that they needed somewhere to go. Being against mass incarceration and suspicious of mass deportation, I thought sanctuaries cities could offer an alternative for those truly seeking asylum.

However, I missed a few important facts in my analysis.

The truth is that immigration comes at a cost, and it is one that we cannot afford in its current state. The United States of America is a welfare state. Welfare states cannot support open borders. Also, there’s a darker side of the issue. Illegal immigration and asylum seeking is making a few people wealthy at the cost of everyone else.

While in theory, it’s nice to think we can take care of everyone who needs asylum, in practice the results have been disastrous.

While browsing on X, I noticed a few disturbing videos and posts from New York City, and I was inspired to have an NYC resident on my X Space, Unheard Perspectives, share their viewpoint.

Brenden Stultz and I delved into the intricacies of the migrant crisis in NYC, shedding light on different perspectives and exploring potential solutions.

The following is a summary of what I learned in that discussion, and a break down what I am calling “The Migrant Industrial Complex" and the dangers it entails.

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The Crisis

The migrant crisis in New York City has hit a tipping point. Frankly, NYC residents have had it.

82% of New Yorkers say migrants pose a serious problem.

While my city, Portland, is also a sanctuary city, we aren’t facing nearly the amount of migrants as New York. Likely because we don’t have the space to house them and we’re facing a homelessness crisis of our own.

As the largest city in the United States, NYC has become a magnet for immigrants seeking new opportunities and the promise of a better life.

Coyotes and traffickers promise the “American Dream” to people living in poverty around the world. However, the recent influx of migrants has raised concerns about resources, public safety, and the overall impact on the city.

The Scope of the Crisis

New York City, known for its diversity and liberal policies, has declared itself a sanctuary city, providing a safe haven for undocumented immigrants. The arrival of migrants, both at the southern border and from other parts of the world, has strained the city's capacity to provide housing, healthcare, and resources. With an estimated 100,000 migrants and an equal number of homeless individuals, residents are voicing their concerns.

Limited Government Response

Despite the growing concern, there is a lack of responsibility from both the local and federal government in addressing the issue effectively. The Biden administration's loosening of restrictions on migrants crossing the border has created a wave of individuals making their way to sanctuary cities like NYC. However, the response has been primarily focused on providing funding for migrant facilities rather than long-term solutions such as assimilation and deportation.

Escalating Costs

With estimates suggesting a cost of $9.8 million a day and a projected $12 billion over the next few years, taxpayers are rightfully questioning the use of their tax dollars. Moreover, the provision of amenities such as Xboxes and gaming centers (listen to my X Space below for more on this) in migrant facilities has heightened skepticism regarding the motives behind financial assistance.

Impact on Communities

Imagine paying $4000 a month for a studio apartment in NYC and walking outside to see people smoking and drinking in broad daylight outside your home. This is reality for more and more New Yorkers.

Then imagine finding out these people are receiving $10,000 a month of taxpayer money to pollute your neighborhood and you can also imagine being more than a little pissed off.

Reports of increased crime, assaults, domestic violence, drug use, and lawlessness in areas with migrant populations are causing residents to fear for their own safety.

Not only that, but uneven distribution of resources has led to growing frustrations among different communities, with black voters questioning why immigrants receive financial support that they believe should be invested in their own neighborhoods.

So, why are migrants receiving $10,000 a month in total aid?

The answer comes down to corruption and it has created an industry around illegal immigration. I’ll discuss below my hypothesis, but first let’s examine some possible solutions.

Exploring Solutions

Finding a solution to the migrant crisis in NYC requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

Here are some ideas that were brought to my attention.

1. Enhanced Border Security

It seems obvious enough to most people that we can stop this problem by not allowing people to cross in the first place. We should strengthen border control measures to reduce the influx of undocumented immigrants and increase efficiency in processing those legitimately seeking asylum.

2. Prioritize Resources

Allocate resources to address the mental health and drug crises faced by American citizens, while ensuring fair and adequate support for migrants genuinely in need.

3. Assimilation and Integration

Develop programs that assist migrants in learning English, acquiring job skills, and integrating into American society, paving the way for self-reliance and productive contributions.

4. Collaborative Efforts

Foster partnerships between government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations to ensure transparent and accountable use of funds and resources.

Audit them!

In fact, I previously demanded a full and comprehensive audit of all fund going toward homelessness in Portland on NW Fresh.

Are migrants an entire industry?

You may have heard of the ‘military industrial complex’ and if you haven’t then please watch this speech that President Eisenhower made when he left office.

In this speech, he warns us of a new problem that we will face.

He’s saying that there’s a relationship between the military and the defense industry which supplies it with arms and other tools for war.

I’m arguing that there’s a migrant industrial complex as well where non-profits, coyotes, and other bad actors seek to profit off the influx of migrants and lax border policies.

Non-profits

Nonprofit organizations, tasked with assisting migrants, have come under scrutiny for receiving funding without demonstrating tangible outcomes or transparency. These non-profits and government entities are creating a "migrant industrial complex," profiting from the influx of migrants while also neglecting the needs of the homeless population that includes veterans and other American citizens in need of assistance.

A quick Google search gives us dozens of non-profits serving undocumented immigrants. Here’s a short list.

• United We Dream

• Define American

• Movimiento Cosecha

• National Immigrant Justice Center

• Immigrant Defense Project

• American Immigration Council

• National Immigration Forum

• Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights

• Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law

I’m sure these groups are doing some good work, however, it’s clear to see that there is an entire industry around illegal immigration and more organizations are popping up each year ready to cash-in.

Prisons

I did some research and found that Californians pay $23 billion in tax dollars for services related to the illegal population. Of course, not all of these dollars are going to non-profits.

This is where it gets interesting. Most of the expenditures come in two areas: welfare and prisons.

In states like California, nearly all illegal immigrants are receiving some form of welfare, often Medicaid. Even more shocking, of all federal prisoners, 26 percent are noncitizens, two-thirds of whom are in the United States illegally.

Ah-ha.

If we accept that the prison industrial complex is a real thing and we know that the government loves nothing more than double-dipping then we’re getting to the root of the issue.

Homeland Security

The Biden administration has requested nearly $25 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ICE for 2024. That’s an increase of almost $800 million from 2023. Not only is there an industry around housing, feeding, clothing, and caring for illegal immigrants, but there is also an entire industry around attempting to stop immigration and housing migrants at the border.

Coyotes and other traffickers

In my X Space it was brought up that many of the migrants in New York are from African countries and not Central or South America, as many would assume. They are recruited by coyotes that offer them the American dream.

“Come to America! You can get free housing, lots of work, and you don’t have to wait. Come now! For a small fee, we can help you cross the border”

Messages like this are sent on Telegram, Whatsapp, and more. Promises of a brighter future for people struggling in the third world.

“It’s simple. Go to Central America and cross the border. We know the routes and we’ll help you. You will go to a sanctuary city where you can’t get in trouble.”

How Coyotes Operate

The process is typically called ‘migrant smuggling’ and it’s well documented by groups like the United Nations.

This is how it typically goes.

1. Initial Contact: Coyotes may make initial contact with potential clients through word-of-mouth referrals, advertising in migrant communities, or online platforms.

2. Negotiation: The coyote and the migrant negotiate a price for the smuggling service. This fee may be paid upfront or upon successful arrival.

3. Preparation: The coyote prepares for the journey, which may involve coordinating with other coyotes, obtaining necessary supplies, and planning the route.

4. Journey: The coyote guides the migrant on the journey, which may involve walking, driving, or other modes of transportation.

5. Arrival: If successful, the migrant arrives at their destination. However, there is no guarantee of safety or success, and the journey often involves significant risk.

Similar to the drug war, we’re currently fighting an immigration war.

The government loves it. Prisons love it. Criminals love it.

Think about it: the government makes money on both sides. They make money by using tax dollars to fund border patrol, and they make money when their own border portal measures fail! Genius.

Without even going into the possible implications for human trafficking and sex trafficking, it’s clear that this is becoming an uncontrollable problem.

Conclusion

I’ll admit that I don’t have a clear solution, but it’s clear that something needs to be done.

Crime is rising. We can’t afford to support all these people. Americans get poorer and illegal immigrants live out their American Dream while citizens live out a nightmare.

The migrant crisis in New York City is a complex issue that demands thoughtful analysis. While we all recognize that people around the world seek a better life in the USA, we must prioritize the needs of American citizens.

If we allow our way of life to be destroyed then there will be nothing left for people who truly seek asylum for legitimate reasons.

In the spirit of President Eisenhower, I’ll leave you with this thought.

We must guard against the undue influence of the migrant industrial complex.

Check out the full episode that inspired this article.

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