Caller Critiques Immigration System on C-Span

A caller from New York City who identifies as a legal immigrant from Cuba expressed his concerns about illegal immigration during a recent C-Span segment. He specifically criticized how the American system is being exploited.

During the Biden administration, luxury hotels in New York City were repurposed as housing for immigrants, which the caller noted was a stark contrast to his own experience. He recalled entering the U.S. in 1975 as a child without receiving any such benefits. He stated in the Washington Journal, “When I came here as a kid, everyone gave me a $9,000 card and gave me food. No one put me in a beautiful hotel.”

He elaborated on the context of his arrival, mentioning the Cold War era and how he came as a Cuban refugee. After obtaining resident alien status, he eventually became a U.S. citizen in 1989.

The caller claimed that during Biden’s term, the borders were essentially opened, leading to issues like “Venezuelan gangs terrorizing half of America.” He contrasted his legal immigration experience with what he sees happening now, expressing frustration over the treatment of contemporary immigrants who seem to receive substantial aid. “It’s not fair. Most of New York City is homeless,” he added.

He also expressed concerns about crime in New York, stating, “The Bronx is the shooting gallery where I live.”

Meanwhile, President Trump’s Department of Justice took action against New York Mayor Eric Adams regarding the city’s sanctuary law. This lawsuit follows an incident where an off-duty customs border guard was allegedly ambushed by two illegal immigrants with extensive criminal backgrounds in Fort Washington Park.

Since Trump’s return to office, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued requests for over 6,000 detainees in New York City. In contrast, only about 9,000 detainees were requested during Biden’s administration.