On the latest episode of his HBO show, Bill Maher took aim at President Joe Biden’s handling of immigration, arguing that it’s difficult to defend his approach when compared to previous administrations.
The comedian pointed out some stark numbers that tell a concerning story about the rise in immigration during Biden’s presidency.
Comparing Immigration Data Across Presidencies
To make his point, Maher used a chart showing net immigration to the U.S. from 2001 to 2020, which spans the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.
According to the data, none of these presidents saw net immigration numbers exceed 2 million in any given year.
In fact, Bush had slightly more immigration during his two terms than Obama, but neither surpassed the 2 million mark.
The Surge Under Biden’s Watch
However, Maher revealed that under Biden’s leadership, immigration numbers have soared far beyond those seen under previous presidents.
Projections for Biden’s final two years in office have shown immigration numbers surpassing 3 million annually, a significant spike.
Maher quipped, “Democrats can say they weren’t for open borders, but it sure looks like someone left the gate unlocked.”
Rising Immigration and Border Control Challenges
The figures Maher referenced come from a January 2024 report by the Congressional Budget Office, which estimated a record 3.3 million immigrants entering the U.S. in 2024.
The final tally ended up being slightly lower, at 2.8 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Even so, it was still a dramatic increase from the previous peak in 2005.
Biden’s presidency has also seen record migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border.
In December 2023, a staggering 249,741 people attempted to cross the southern border, setting a new record.
This eclipsed the previous high in May 2019 under the Trump administration, when 132,856 migrants were encountered in a single month.
Biden’s Response and Border Control Measures
Facing increasing pressure, Biden signed an executive order in June 2024, shutting down the border when daily crossings reached 2,500.
The order also limited asylum requests from migrants arriving from Mexico.
While Biden has taken steps to manage the situation, his actions have been criticized as insufficient by some.
Trump’s Hardline Border Policies and Legislation
Meanwhile, former President Trump has continued to advocate for stricter border policies.
He declared a national emergency at the southern border during his tenure and ordered “enhanced vetting” of visa applicants.
Trump’s administration also focused on building physical barriers to prevent unauthorized crossings.
Trump also sought to end birthright citizenship with an executive order, which was struck down by a federal judge, as the right is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.
The case may ultimately reach the Supreme Court.
Additionally, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law in 2025, which mandates the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of violent crimes.
Ongoing Deportation Efforts Under Trump
Trump’s tough stance on immigration continues with a mass deportation program spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Since his inauguration, ICE has arrested thousands of migrants in the country illegally, continuing his administration’s crackdown on unauthorized immigration.
In summary, while Maher’s comments and recent immigration statistics highlight the significant increase in migration during Biden’s time in office, it’s clear that the debate over how to address immigration remains a divisive and ongoing issue.
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