Donald Trump was elected with the goal of securing borders and deporting millions of migrants who entered the country illegally. Anyone in his administration who thinks otherwise or tries to soften this commitment is mistaken.
While there are many differences between Trump and Joe Biden as political leaders, the most striking are their contrasting approaches to enforcing immigration laws. Trump has committed to strict adherence to the law, whereas Biden seems determined to find ways to sidestep it.
The consequences of Biden’s approach, or lack thereof, are clear. Over ten million people have entered our country illegally, and it’s apparent to many that this issue began at the southern border. It seems to be expanding inland, as undocumented migrants are moving into major urban centers like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Phoenix.
Before long, the influx of illegal migrants had spread so widely that virtually every state was affected. The overwhelming presence of these individuals has strained schools, hospitals, and housing resources, placing additional burdens on local governments and charities that already serve American citizens.
Estimates regarding the financial impact on U.S. taxpayers vary, but last year, the House Budget Committee suggested a figure around $15.07 billion. Balancing budgets, especially when these costs are pushed down to state and local levels—which can’t just print money—means tough choices have to be made.
Yet, the costs extend far beyond just money. The ramifications of neglecting the law reverberate throughout the entire system. Sociologist James Q. Wilson’s “Broken Windows” theory comes to mind here: if authorities neglect small issues like broken windows, it signals that they don’t care about maintaining order, leading to more significant problems down the road.
This is, unfortunately, what Biden’s administration has fostered. Across various sectors, his leadership has eroded the rule of law.
For instance, Biden attempted to infringe on property rights by blocking landlords from evicting tenants who couldn’t pay rent, a move that was later shot down by the Supreme Court. Similarly, his attempt to cancel billions in student loan debt also faced backlash from the courts.
And of course, the failure to enforce immigration laws has weakened the rule of law further. In a legal system where the rule of law is paramount, every law must be followed and enforced. If leaders decide which laws to uphold and which to disregard, we drift away from the very foundation that the founders sought to establish.
The American experience is rooted in a commitment to the rule of law, which applies equally to everyone—from the president to the average citizen. Without this principle, the Constitution risks becoming just a piece of paper, with markets losing trust, contracts becoming void, and unchecked government power turning into a threat rather than a safeguard.
Understanding what “rule of law” means is crucial, especially when discussing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Importantly, the rule of law means that everyone must adhere to the law, that lawmakers themselves must follow it, and that no one is above it.
John Adams famously stated that we are a “government of laws, not of men.” This idea was radical then and continues to be relevant today. Upholding the rule of law distinguishes a constitutional republic from tyranny or mob rule. Defending it isn’t about taking sides in political debates; it’s about transcending them.
When Donald Trump resumes office on January 20, 2025, he is likely to issue an executive order focused on protecting American citizens by enforcing immigration laws, asserting their significance for national security and public safety. This order will signal a return to the principles of rule of law that his administration will strive to uphold, reversing the previous administration’s policies.
In correcting Biden’s disregard for the law, Trump not only addresses the illegal immigration crisis but also sets about restoring the rule of law systematically.
