Immigration & the border — Talking Turkey

“Immigrants are causing a huge crime wave.”

"Your relative is saying immigration is driving a large increase in crime."

What's actually true

In the U.S., the evidence does not support that claim: research generally finds immigrants have lower crime rates than U.S.-born people. A peer-reviewed study of Texas records found lower felony arrest rates among undocumented immigrants than among U.S.-born citizens, though one state cannot settle every local question. FBI data also show national violent crime declined in 2023 and 2024—not a nationwide crime wave.

Where they have a point

Wanting safe neighborhoods and accountability for anyone who commits a crime is completely reasonable. Crimes committed by immigrants are real and can be devastating; individual cases just don’t establish a trend about an entire group.

Say this (15 seconds)

Every crime victim matters. But the broader evidence doesn’t show immigrants driving a crime wave. Studies generally find lower crime rates among immigrants, and national violent crime has actually fallen.

Then ask

Are you thinking of something happening locally, or the national picture?

Sources

Pass the gravy (exit line)

We both want people safe. Let’s give the news a rest—who wants more potatoes?

“Illegal immigrants are voting in our elections.”

"Your relative is saying that people without legal immigration status are voting in U.S. elections."

What's actually true

Noncitizens—including people without legal immigration status—are prohibited from voting in federal elections. Documented cases of noncitizen voting exist, but the evidence shows it is rare, not widespread. Some jurisdictions allow certain noncitizens to vote in local elections only; that does not authorize them to vote for president or Congress. A suspected registration or a database mismatch alone is not proof that someone illegally voted.

Where they have a point

Protecting elections from ineligible voting is a legitimate concern. Even isolated violations deserve investigation, and officials should clearly explain how they check eligibility.

Say this (15 seconds)

It has happened, but documented cases are rare—not evidence of widespread voting. Noncitizens aren’t allowed to vote in federal elections. I agree actual violations should be investigated; we just shouldn’t turn isolated cases into a claim about millions of people.

Then ask

Was the story you saw about confirmed votes, registrations being investigated, or a local election with different rules?

Sources

Pass the gravy (exit line)

All right, let’s leave election administration there. Who’s ready to count slices of pie?

“The border is wide open and nobody's doing anything.”

"Your relative is saying the border is effectively uncontrolled and the government isn’t enforcing immigration laws."

What's actually true

Taken literally, that isn’t accurate: federal officers patrol the border, stop unauthorized crossings, and carry out immigration enforcement, including removals. People do cross illegally and some evade detection, but that doesn’t mean there’s no enforcement. Border conditions and policies change over time, so claims about how well enforcement is working need a specific time period and evidence.

Where they have a point

It’s reasonable to want an orderly, secure border. Enforcement existing doesn’t automatically mean it’s effective, and backlogs and failures are legitimate concerns.

Say this (15 seconds)

I agree we need a secure border. But ‘nobody’s doing anything’ isn’t right—officers stop people and the government deports people. We can debate whether it’s working well without saying there’s no enforcement.

Then ask

What would you look for to tell whether border enforcement was actually working?

Sources

Pass the gravy (exit line)

We probably won’t solve the border before dessert. Who’s ready for pie?