In an age where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, the national conversation around immigration has been overwhelmed by selective storytelling and misleading narratives. Too often, we are told that all immigration is the same — that every migrant is an asylum-seeker coming to the United States to seek a better life, all immigration benefits the country, and concern over border security and simply enforcing our laws equates to being anti-immigrant. 

These partisan talking points disregard the full picture and cherry-pick information to back up their claims, which are designed to appeal to our emotions. The media, the Left, and academia have been spinning a web of lies on legal immigration for decades — from “diversity is our strength” to “our country was built by immigrants” — to obfuscate the core truth that unfettered mass migration has leveled disastrous consequences all over the world. 

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Let us start with a fundamental but critical distinction: not all immigration is equal. The difference between legal and illegal immigration is not semantic but foundational. Legal immigration, when properly done, is structured, vetted, and accountable. It lets us know who is entering our country, what their purpose is, and how they might contribute to our society. Illegal immigration, in contrast, circumvents the law, bypasses national security vetting, and leaves our communities vulnerable. 

Consider this example: just this past March, the Associated Press ran an article titled ‘Trump administration deports hundreds of immigrants even as a judge orders their removals be stopped,’ purposefully and willfully conflating legal immigration with criminal illegal aliens. These lies must stop.

This isn’t about demonizing those who cross the border illegally. It’s about defending the integrity of our immigration system and the safety of citizens, so we no longer live in oblivion. Ignorance is not bliss, but costly and deadly.  

The prevailing narrative that most illegal aliens are simply seeking a better life is not supported by facts. In fiscal 2024, the Customs and Border Protection arrested 15,267 criminal aliens involved in crimes, including drug trafficking, sexual assault, and homicide. This is just the number of criminal aliens detained by Border Patrol. This number does not include those apprehended by other agencies or states, nor does it account for those roaming free in our streets. Criminal organizations, including cartels, thrive in the chaos of open borders. We cannot afford to be naïve about this reality. 

The most pervasive lie spun by the globalist open borders crowd is that immigration, even illegal, strengthens the economy. The truth is, not only do we suffer a threat to our security and safety, but there is also a serious financial cost brought on by illegal immigration. The border crisis placed an extraordinary burden on taxpayers, ranging from an estimated $150 billion to $400 billion. These funds are not theoretical. They are your tax dollars for improving communities, investing in public safety, and responding to national disasters. State and local governments, from urban liberal bastions such as New York City to small border towns such as Brownsville, Texas, were placed under immense strain from the border crisis. Ignoring these facts will never make them disappear.

Just look at what happened when Hurricane Helene devastated communities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. As these states struggled to recover, Federal Emergency Management Agency resources were already strained because the agency had spent $1.4 billion on services for illegal immigrants. This included hotel accommodations, food, and shelter — all while citizens in disaster zones waited for lifesaving assistance. This is not compassion — it is misplaced priorities.

BECOMING AN AMERICAN: HOW TO FIX THE LEGAL IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

Still, many insist all immigration yields a net positive. But again, legal and illegal immigration are not the same. Lawful immigration, done right, can benefit our country. Illegal immigration, however, encourages breaking the law, fuels trafficking networks, and diverts critical resources from American communities. That is not a strength, it’s a liability. 

We must confront the misinformation clouding this debate. We can no longer allow false narratives to shape the future of our immigration system. It is time to reject the emotional manipulation and misinformation that have muddled this debate. Putting America First means upholding the rule of law, protecting our communities, and ensuring immigration strengthens, not weakens, our great nation. 

Cooper Smith serves as Director of Communications and Senior Adviser to the Center for Homeland Security and Immigration at the America First Policy Institute.