The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Donald Trump is highlighting what it claims are “record-breaking accomplishments” in immigration control, stating that over 2.5 million undocumented individuals have departed the United States since he took office in late January.
This week, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported more than 605,000 undocumented individuals since January 20, mainly those with criminal charges or convictions.
Moreover, Noem mentioned that around 2 million undocumented individuals have voluntarily exited the U.S. during this timeframe, and she reiterated her appeal for others to use the agency’s mobile app, CBP Home, to voluntarily leave and receive a complimentary flight ticket along with $1,000 in benefits.
“The Trump Administration is breaking historic records with over 2.5 million undocumented individuals leaving the U.S. DHS has deported over 605,000 and facilitated an additional 1.9 million voluntary removals,” stated DHS Director Tricia McLaughlin.
DHS officials also noted that the agency has apprehended nearly 600,000 undocumented individuals since Trump began his second term.
“Undocumented individuals are receiving our message: leave now,” McLaughlin commented. “They recognize that if they stay, we will find, arrest, and not allow them to return.”
The administration’s strict immigration policy has reportedly had a notable impact on housing for Americans.
For instance, for six straight months, DHS has not released any undocumented individuals into the U.S. from the southern border. This has been felt by those looking to purchase homes and lower rental rates after years of elevated prices.
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Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner recently indicated that rents have decreased for four consecutive months, which aligns with a significant drop in illegal immigration.
“The link between illegal immigration and rising housing prices is evident,” commented Vice President J.D. Vance. “I am pleased that we are heading in the right direction, but there’s still much to be addressed.”
In September, a study conducted by Danish economists found that an influx of immigrants significantly raises rents and housing prices for local residents.
According to the study, “…relative to the base year 1995 local population, a 1 percentage point increase in local immigrant inflows over a five-year period raises private rental prices and housing prices at the municipal level by approximately 6 percent and 11 percent, respectively, during the same period on average.”
Furthermore, last year, Stephen Camarota from the Center for Immigration Research shared relevant statistics with Congress, noting that “a 5 percent increase in the proportion of recent immigrants in a metropolitan area corresponds to a 12 percent rise in rents for the average U.S.-born household relative to income.”
