In the recent vice-presidential debate, Senator J.D. Vance argued that the Biden-Harris administration is responsible for “letting in” 25 million illegal aliens. This claim, while certainly evocative, has raised eyebrows and elicited pushback from media fact-checkers, who have dismissed the number as inflated. However, before we dismiss Vance’s statement outright, it’s crucial to examine the underlying realities of the situation and address the broader concerns of border security, sovereignty, and the rule of law.

The Crisis at the Border: An Ethical and Constitutional Concern

The Biden administration’s immigration policies have undeniably led to a significant surge in illegal immigration. While mainstream sources may focus on the technical breakdown of numbers, we must look at this issue beyond mere statistics. The immigration crisis poses ethical, moral, and national security concerns.

First, regardless of whether the total number of illegal immigrants is 8 million or 25 million, the fact remains that millions of people have entered the country illegally under this administration’s watch. The Department of Homeland Security’s data reveals nearly 8 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border since Biden took office, with approximately 5 million either evading authorities or being released into the country with court notices. This is not a small number, and the impact of this influx is felt in communities across the United States.

From an ethical standpoint, we are witnessing the erosion of the rule of law, a foundational principle of any just society. Romans 13:1-2 tells us that governing authorities are established by God to maintain order, and laws exist to uphold justice. When laws are flouted, chaos ensues. The Biden-Harris administration’s failure to enforce immigration laws effectively undermines this God-ordained order, contributing to the erosion of societal cohesion.

The Burden on American Families

The mainstream media often glosses over the real-world consequences of illegal immigration, particularly for American citizens. Vance’s concerns echo those of many families who are feeling the brunt of this crisis. Illegal immigration places a strain on local communities, from overwhelmed healthcare systems to overcrowded schools and depressed wages for American workers.

While left-leaning commentators often frame the debate in terms of compassion for migrants, Christian conservatives recognize that compassion must be rooted in justice and wisdom. The Bible encourages us to care for the stranger (Leviticus 19:34), but it also affirms the necessity of borders and boundaries (Acts 17:26). A nation without secure borders cannot properly govern or serve its own people.

Is Vance’s Number Exaggerated?

Critics of Vance’s 25 million figure argue that it is grossly inflated. They base their skepticism on Department of Homeland Security data and argue that actual encounters and gotaways fall far below this number. However, there is a broader context to consider.

First, the sheer scale of illegal immigration over the last few decades, coupled with lax enforcement and the inability to track many who enter the country, makes it difficult to get an exact count. The estimate of 25 million may not just reflect those who entered during the Biden-Harris administration but may also include those whose presence was enabled by ongoing policies of leniency. Furthermore, the repeated crossing attempts (a recidivism rate of 27%) complicate the true number of individuals attempting to cross the border illegally. This chaos is precisely what Americans like Vance are calling attention to.

Moreover, critics tend to focus narrowly on those apprehended or released with court notices, ignoring the larger problem of “gotaways” and those who vanish into the country, never to appear in court. The nearly 1.8 million estimated gotaways are only a fraction of the problem. For years, millions have crossed and remained in the U.S. without facing any significant consequence, and the long-term effects on American society are immeasurable.

Immigration Court Backlog: Kicking the Can Down the Road

One of the most glaring issues exacerbating the immigration crisis is the overwhelming backlog of immigration court cases, which leaves many illegal immigrants in limbo for years. This “catch-and-release” policy fosters a system in which accountability is delayed indefinitely, contributing to lawlessness. The fact that we don’t know how many of the 883,000 ICE transfers were released with court notices only adds to the opacity of the situation.

In a society governed by the rule of law, the enforcement of legal consequences must be swift and consistent. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies have created a revolving door at the southern border, where enforcement is selectively applied, and millions are left in legal purgatory.

Conclusion: A Matter of National Sovereignty

Vance’s claim, whether numerically precise or not, draws attention to the heart of the issue—America’s national sovereignty and security are at risk. The southern border crisis is not just a matter of statistics; it’s a reflection of the administration’s unwillingness to protect our nation’s laws, our people, and our values.

As Christians, we are called to be stewards of justice. While we have a responsibility to show compassion, we must also advocate for policies that uphold the integrity of our nation’s laws. The Biden-Harris administration has failed in this regard, and the consequences are being felt in every corner of our country. Whether it’s 8 million or 25 million, the reality is that the crisis at the border demands urgent, serious action—not partisan spin.

The immigration debate is not merely about numbers but about the future of our nation. We must continue to advocate for policies that secure our borders, preserve our laws, and maintain our national identity rooted in Judeo-Christian values.