(DailyVantage.com) – In a recent New York Times interview, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) made the unfounded claim that fewer illegal immigrants entered the U.S. under President Joe Biden than during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term. This assertion runs counter to widely reported data, which shows that over 10 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border under Biden’s administration, compared to approximately 2.5 million during Trump’s four-year term.
When questioned about the reasons for Democrats’ poor performance in the 2024 election, Pelosi, 84, suggested cultural issues played a more significant role than policy concerns. She argued, “I don’t think we were clear enough by saying fewer people came in under President Biden than came under Donald Trump.” This statement followed a Times observation that many Americans were disillusioned with the surge of illegal immigration under Biden, which placed heavy burdens on communities nationwide.
The former House speaker also dismissed concerns about immigration policy, instead framing the issue as one of culture. She attributed Republican success to “cultural fears,” adding that Trump’s rhetoric surrounding crime and immigration stoked these fears, as he referred to some illegal immigrants as “murderers, rapists, thieves, and all the rest.”
The Times interviewer highlighted that the primary issues driving voters this year were inflation, the economy, and immigration—critical policy concerns. Pelosi insisted that immigration should still be viewed through a cultural lens, suggesting Trump’s characterizations overshadowed any specific policies.
Data on border activity under the Biden administration has raised concerns for many voters, who feel overwhelmed by the economic and logistical burdens of illegal immigration. Even with multiple strategies to manage the influx, recent records indicate historic surges, often cited as the largest in modern U.S. history.
When the Times challenged Pelosi’s perspective, pointing out that illegal immigration was an overwhelming and unmanageable issue for many Americans, Pelosi doubled down, claiming most illegal immigrants were not criminals. However, the reality is that illegal entry into the U.S. is a federal offense, and a percentage of those who cross illegally have criminal records either in the U.S. or in their country of origin.
The debate over immigration continues to polarize voters, with many Americans calling for stronger border enforcement, as seen in the recent election results. Pelosi’s remarks underscore the ongoing divide between the Democratic leadership’s messaging and the concerns of an increasingly frustrated public on issues of national security, border management, and economic stability.
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