In recent political discourse, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance has been vocal about the connection between immigration and America’s skyrocketing housing prices. During the vice-presidential debate, Vance made headlines by claiming, “You’ve got housing that is totally unaffordable because we brought in millions of illegal immigrants to compete with Americans for scarce homes.” While critics have challenged the strength of his evidence, Vance’s comments touch on a deeper concern: how the crisis at the border is impacting American communities, particularly the most vulnerable.

Vance later referred to remarks by Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, who spoke about immigration’s influence on housing and the economy. Critics were quick to point out that Bowman’s remarks were brief and did not “drill down” on the issue as Vance had suggested. But the core point remains relevant: immigration, both legal and illegal, contributes to pressures on housing markets, and this is a reality that all Americans must face.

The Housing Crisis and the Role of Immigration

While critics argue that the housing crisis is mainly driven by factors like underbuilding and rising mortgage rates, it would be shortsighted to ignore the role of immigration. Senator Vance is correct in identifying that demographic changes, fueled by immigration, are adding demand in housing markets where inventory is already low. Bowman’s comments acknowledge this reality, stating that an influx of new immigrants can lead to upward pressure on rents, especially in areas where affordable housing is already in short supply.

This is particularly significant for low-income American families, many of whom are struggling to compete for housing in increasingly crowded urban markets. Illegal immigration, which brings in millions of people outside of any regulated or thoughtful process, exacerbates these challenges. American families should not have to fight for access to the housing they need due to policies that fail to secure our borders.

A Responsibility to Steward Resources

The immigration crisis is more than a political talking point; it’s a moral issue. We are called to care for the vulnerable and to steward resources responsibly. The Bible teaches us to “seek the peace of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to support policies that promote the well-being of all citizens, particularly the poor and working class. Housing is a critical resource, and its availability and affordability are essential to the stability of American families.

While immigration may not be the sole cause of the housing crisis, it is irresponsible to ignore its contribution. The surge in population from unchecked illegal immigration places undue strain on public resources, including housing, healthcare, and education. The failure to secure our borders has allowed this problem to spiral, leaving American citizens — many of them already struggling — to bear the brunt of the impact.

Weakening the Foundation of Communities

Without proper border control and thoughtful immigration policies, we are weakening the foundation of the very communities we seek to protect. Allowing uncontrolled immigration into areas already suffering from limited housing only increases the strain on public services and erodes the social fabric that binds communities together.

It is not “anti-immigrant” to advocate for secure borders and a thoughtful immigration system. It is, in fact, the only way to ensure that America remains a land of opportunity for those who follow the law, while also protecting the interests of those already here. Legal immigration has its place, but it must be balanced with the need to protect American workers, including their access to affordable housing.

The Bigger Picture: A Call to Action

We must approach this issue with compassion but also with clarity. The housing crisis is complex, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the impact of illegal immigration. We are called to love our neighbors, and that includes advocating for policies that ensure that American families — especially the poor — are not left behind in a competitive housing market.

At the same time, we must also recognize that immigration is not the only factor. Years of underbuilding, high mortgage rates, and economic shifts have all played a role in the housing shortage. But addressing one issue does not mean ignoring another. We need a comprehensive approach that includes securing the border, reforming immigration policies, and encouraging the construction of more affordable homes.

Senator Vance’s remarks may have been overstated, but his concerns are not misplaced. Illegal immigration is a factor in the housing crisis, and it’s time for policymakers to take that seriously. We have a duty to steward our resources wisely, protect our communities, and promote the common good for all citizens. That includes supporting policies that ensure housing remains accessible and affordable for those who need it most — American families.