Border control and immigration policy in the U.S. have recently been among the most contentious issues. The effects of an open or porous border are felt in border towns and cities across the country, including the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. DFW is critical to Texas’ economy and culture as the nation’s second-largest metropolitan area. “Illegals” crossing the U.S. southern border has diminished national security. The economic impact and the rule of law have also been in question. These points often reflect concerns about the effects of uncontrolled illegals on American communities, taxpayers, and government institutions.
Impact on Auto Traffic and Infrastructure
One of the first visible effects of an open border is increased auto traffic. In Texas, major interstates like I-35, I-30, and I-20 run through DFW, making it a vital hub for transportation. As more people, including illegals, enter Texas, the pressure on infrastructure grows. The DFW area has seen increased personal vehicle traffic and commercial trucking.
More vehicles on the road often mean longer commutes and more wear and tear on infrastructure. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has reported increased congestion.
The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has also experienced an uptick in air traffic, especially in cargo, as Texas remains a hub for trade with Latin America.
While traffic delays and congestion have become more frequent, the state is investing heavily in improving roadways. However, this investment does not keep pace with the rapid influx of people and vehicles linked to border policy.
Jobs and the Labor Market
One of the most debated aspects of immigration policy is its impact on the job market. In DFW, a robust economy has historically been supported by a strong labor force. Many argue that an open border increases competition for low-wage jobs, especially in sectors like construction, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing—industries where a significant number of undocumented workers tend to be employed, making their status a key factor in the debate.
On the one hand, the influx of immigrants, many of whom are willing to take jobs that native-born Americans may overlook, has benefited employers in these sectors. The Texas economy, including DFW, has relied on migrant labor to keep costs down, particularly in construction, landscaping, and food service industries.
On the other hand, critics argue that an open border depresses wages for lower-income workers, particularly those without advanced education. The availability of cheap labor can put downward pressure on wages, making it harder for legal residents and citizens to find employment at fair pay rates.
While there are varying perspectives on the impact, the overall effect of an open border on the labor market is mixed. For some employers who do not follow the rule of law, it fills critical labor shortages, while for certain workers, it can stagnate wages and increase competition.
Housing Market and Rent Prices
Another sector significantly affected by population growth linked to border policies is housing. The DFW housing market has been one of the hottest in the country over the last decade, with prices skyrocketing and inventory tightening. An open border that allows illegals to cross strains an already competitive housing market.
Immigrant families, including those seeking asylum or those who are undocumented, often require affordable housing options, which are already in short supply. As demand for lower-cost rentals increases, so do rental prices. In fact, affordable housing in DFW has been at a premium, and many working-class residents, including immigrants, struggle to find homes that meet their budget.
Additionally, the pressure on affordable housing leads to overcrowding in some areas, as multiple families might share single-family homes or apartments. This overcrowding further exacerbates demand and often creates tensions between long-term residents and new arrivals.
Crime and Public Safety
Crime is one of the more polarizing topics in the debate around an open border. Critics argue that an open border increases crime rates, particularly in large metropolitan areas like DFW.
DFW faces challenges related to drug trafficking and human smuggling, which are often linked to cross-border crime. Law enforcement agencies in Texas have allocated significant resources to combat these issues, with the state even deploying National Guard troops to assist with border security.
DFW remains lower than other comparably sized metropolitan areas, although certain areas do experience higher incidences of gang-related violence and drug-related crimes. The open border does create complex challenges for law enforcement as they work to separate those seeking refuge or work from individuals involved in criminal activities.
During 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a significant increase in fentanyl seizures at the southern border, a drug responsible for thousands of overdose deaths.
Every sovereign nation has the right and responsibility to control its borders. We should not allow individuals with criminal backgrounds, gang affiliations, or terrorist intentions to enter the U.S. High-profile cases involving criminal activity by illegals, like the actions of the MS-13 gang, illustrate these concerns.
Illegals bypassing the legal immigration process weakens the integrity of the system and contributes to a sense of lawlessness
Healthcare Services and Public Health
The healthcare system in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has also felt the impact of illegals, especially regarding emergency services and public health. Many illegals lack access to private health insurance, often relying on emergency rooms for basic healthcare needs. This puts an enormous strain on hospitals and clinics, often overburdened and underfunded.
Public hospitals like Parkland Memorial in Dallas have seen increased patient volumes, which stretch the already limited resources. This has resulted in longer wait times in emergency rooms, and healthcare professionals are under more pressure than ever to deliver services efficiently, often working long hours to meet the demand.
The open border also raises concerns about public health, particularly the spread of infectious diseases. Illegals from areas with lower healthcare standards might be carriers of diseases uncommon in the U.S., putting additional pressure on local health departments to manage outbreaks.
911 Calls and Emergency Services
The influx of new residents—both legal and undocumented—affects the availability and responsiveness of emergency services in the DFW area. As the population grows, 911 call volumes increase. Many of these calls come from newly arrived immigrants who may be unfamiliar with local laws or need emergency assistance. Language barriers can also complicate matters for dispatchers and first responders.
Fire, police, and ambulance services are already stretched thin in some parts of DFW, and the increase in emergency calls further taxes these resources. Response times may become longer, and the pressure on local governments to provide adequate emergency services continues to mount.
Additionally, undocumented individuals might be hesitant to contact law enforcement or emergency services for fear of deportation, creating a potential public safety risk when crimes or accidents go unreported.
Child Abuse and Family Services
Child abuse and neglect cases can increase as a result of the strains placed on families due to economic hardship and uncertainty, both of which are often exacerbated by an open border. Many immigrant families face financial instability, housing insecurity, and stress related to their immigration status, all of which can contribute to environments where child abuse or neglect occurs.
Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas has seen an increase in cases involving immigrant families. These cases can be particularly complex, as some involve unaccompanied minors or families who have been separated at the border. The state has allocated more resources to deal with these challenges, but the growing number of cases makes it difficult for social services to respond effectively.
Family services agencies, like Dallas County’s Child Advocacy Center, also face unique challenges in assisting children from immigrant families. Language barriers, cultural differences, and fear of deportation can hinder the ability of social workers to intervene effectively in these situations.
Financial Impact on Local and State Governments
The economic costs of an open border are far-reaching, affecting local and state budgets. While immigrants contribute to the economy through their labor and consumption, they also require education, healthcare, and public safety, often funded by taxpayers.
Texas has spent billions on border security, deploying state troopers and the National Guard and building infrastructure to monitor the border. Local governments in areas like DFW also need financial help to accommodate a growing population.
While immigrants pay taxes, particularly sales taxes, many Illegals do not contribute to income taxes. This creates a gap in funding for essential services. Some argue that comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship, could help bridge this gap by increasing tax revenue from immigrants working off the books.
Conclusion
Just as you control who enters your home to protect your family and ensure safety, the nation should also control its borders to maintain security and protect its citizens.
The open border policy has profoundly affected the Dallas-Fort Worth area, touching nearly every aspect of life, from infrastructure and jobs to public safety and healthcare, at the expense of public services and the quality of life.
As a central hub in Texas, DFW will continue to feel the effects of national border policy, making it a critical area for observing the long-term consequences of an open border.