We all know that feeling: enjoying a night out with friends, only to find yourself footing the bill. This scenario mirrors the aftermath of four contentious years under the Biden administration, which critics argue has left the U.S. with significant burdens related to border policy.
Former President Donald Trump aims to fulfill his pledge of securing the borders, enforcing immigration laws, and maintaining a system that respects visa agreements for responsible travelers and students.
Along the way, he’s faced a slew of lawsuits from undocumented immigrants and their advocates. Many federal judges—often appointed by Democratic presidents—have issued nationwide injunctions against his measures, even in cases that many consider frivolous.
According to Attorney General Bill Barr, federal courts handed down 27 national injunctions during the 20th century. By contrast, they’ve issued 79 against Trump alone in this century.
As the issues along the Canadian border grow due to its open immigration policies, Trump is now focusing on border security in the North.
As Trump navigates these challenges, the extent of the fiscal impact stemming from Biden’s immigration policies becomes increasingly apparent.
The Roosevelt Hotel in New York, a historic site that used to contribute positively to the city’s tourism, has transformed under Biden’s policies of releasing individuals at the border, resulting in many viewing cities like New York as so-called “sanctuaries.”
New York has provided temporary housing and benefits to these migrants while often refraining from prosecution for minor offenses. Mayor Eric Adams has sought to find accommodations, heavily investing taxpayer money—around $4 billion annually—on immigration support. The Roosevelt is just one of over 200 emergency shelters that have been operating during the height of this crisis.
Since January 2025, despite what the Biden administration claims, the Trump administration reports that illegal border crossings have dropped by over 90%, prompting New York to begin closing temporary shelters.
The Roosevelt Hotel is set to cease operations as a shelter in June, yet there are still about 2,000 migrants residing there. The building, owned by the Pakistani government, is facing financial turmoil, particularly regarding its strained relationship with India. Following years of occupation by diverse groups, the hotel needs substantial renovation prior to reopening for tourism.
The estimated renovation costs range from $50,000 to $90,000 per room, leading to a minimum expenditure of over $90 million for the Roosevelt alone, without accounting for common spaces. Who exactly will cover these costs? Taxpayers in New York.
Biden’s border policies represent more than just shelter expenses. They also include the challenge of educating around half a million unaccompanied minors who arrived illegally. The implication is that they will need schooling, which carries significant costs, with an average yearly expenditure of $18,000 per child, totaling around $9 billion annually—largely funded by the state.
The financial burden regarding healthcare for millions entering through Biden’s administration remains unclear. Nevertheless, predictions suggest that these newcomers may possess higher levels of education and skills compared to the average American.
On the lower end of the skill spectrum, there’s the concern about low-wage workers potentially relying on government-subsidized healthcare. In 2024, average medical costs per person surpassed $13,000. If only 20% of these new arrivals lean on government services, that would equate to around $26 billion annually.
Additionally, amidst the influx of economic migrants, many individuals associated with criminal activities have also relocated, including gang members and career criminals. The Roosevelt Hotel has housed individuals with various offenses, contributing to rising crime concerns in New York City.
There have been instances where members of a Venezuelan gang targeted both fellow immigrants and locals, leading to chaos in the city. New York’s expenditures on criminal justice reached $9.2 billion in 2020, but you can bet those figures have only increased since.
Some progressives argue that reducing criminal prosecution is the solution, but the fallout has led to increasingly dangerous urban environments. It remains to be seen if Democrats will eventually prioritize candidates focused on law enforcement, despite the resultant financial implications for police, courts, and correctional facilities.
The financial fallout from Biden’s border policies continues to accumulate, and these costs will persist until two things happen: either the legal status of the alien is resolved, or they remain, accruing more taxes than their family consumes in benefits. Both scenarios are lengthy processes.
