Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC’s the 11th Hour, made a shocking statement on Wednesday by encouraging illegal immigration and promoting the idea that it will greatly benefit our economy. This statement comes in the midst of a major border crisis, a fact that Ruhle tried to downplay by claiming that there are no open borders in the US. She also cited a report from the Congressional Budget Office, which allegedly shows that increased immigration will bring economic growth, boost federal revenues, and reduce deficits over the next decade. However, Ruhle conveniently failed to mention the devastating impact that illegal immigration has on our society and economy.
When discussing this report with Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, dean of the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, Ruhle suggested that the Biden administration should use it as a way to shift the conversation around immigration. Soto agreed, claiming that there have been hundreds of similar reports that come to the same conclusion. She also argued that the economy would not be as successful without the constant influx of illegal immigrants. However, this narrative ignores the many negative consequences of illegal immigration, such as increased crime rates, job displacement for American workers, and the strain it puts on our resources and infrastructure.
Soto also brought up the declining fertility rate in the US and argued that immigration is necessary to maintain our population. She stated that every family needs to have two children to replace themselves, implying that we need illegal immigrants to make up for this gap. This argument is flawed as it ignores the fact that there are many legal ways to increase our population, such as encouraging citizens to have more children or introducing policies that make it easier for working families to support themselves. Ruhle agreed with Soto’s misguided perspective and urged for a more positive attitude towards illegal immigrants, claiming that they bring new life and energy to our economy.
Next, Ruhle turned to her guest Tim Miller, a former communications director for Jeb Bush, and asked if Democrats should use this report as a way to push for more lenient immigration policies. Miller replied that Democrats need to capitalize on this opportunity by dividing the Republican party and gaining ground. He contrasted the fear-mongering rhetoric of some Republicans with Joe Biden’s approach of allowing reasonable restrictions at the border while also being kind to Dreamers and promoting legal immigration. This statement glosses over the fact that illegal immigration is not just a matter of border control, but also a violation of our laws that needs to be taken seriously.
Miller further complained that as a former Republican, he is disappointed in the lack of support for illegal immigration from his former party. He questioned where the Republicans are who believe that illegal immigrants are good for our economy and help our country grow. This statement ignores the fact that while legal immigration has long been a part of American culture and has brought many benefits, illegal immigration is a different matter entirely. It undermines our laws and sovereignty and has a significant negative impact on our country.
Ruhle and her guests attempted to downplay the border crisis and promote the idea that illegal immigration is necessary and beneficial for our economy. However, their arguments ignore the many negative consequences that illegal immigration brings and paint an incomplete picture of the situation. It is important to recognize the severity of the border crisis and the need for stronger measures to control it, rather than promoting dangerous narratives that encourage lawlessness and harm our citizens and legal immigrants.