This has been driving me bonkers for some time now. Maybe you heard me bitching about it on the incredibly popular show, The Loftus Party podcast. (Plug!) I’m talking about the millions and millions of people coming into the U.S. Illegally. There’s no point in pretending it’s not happening. Hopefully we can move beyond the fantasy of “The border is secure.” But let’s talk about the ‘why’ of it all. Why are all these people coming to the U.S. Is there a war in Central or South America we missed? Are these refugees? Are they seeking asylum? If so, asylum from what? Can someone please inform me? Just what the fuck are all these people running from?

Applying for asylum is incredibly simple. You just need to get here and fill out a form.

This is from the USCIS website: If you are eligible for asylum, you may be permitted to remain in the United States. To apply for asylum affirmatively or defensively, file a Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, within 1 year of your arrival to the United States. Visit our Obtaining Asylum in the United States page for more information on affirmative and defensive filings. There is no fee to apply for asylum.

Or…brace yourself… maybe they aren’t really running from anything and it’s about money.

I get the distinct feeling it is just about the money. Wages are better in the U.S. If it was a war or a plague, I’m pretty sure we would have heard something about it by now. Maybe a YouTube video or a TikTok about how millions of people had to run for their lives. Seems like it would be a big deal.

So, it’s gotta be the money. The chance at a better life in the ol’ USA. We’re pretty sure that’s really the motivation. Fine. So, now the question is this: How many people do we let in? All of them? That seems to be the policy now. Just show up, claim refugee or asylum status and you’re good to go with your new life. So, I’ll ask the question again: How many do we allow? Do entire countries just empty out into Arizona? There has to be a limit. You might want every single person to be allowed in but surely you see how that might present challenges. Just ask the Mayor of NYC. There are limits. Those limits are dictated by reality. Food. Water. Shelter. That kind of thing.

The elected officials in D.C. seem to have forgotten about reality with their current policies regarding immigration. We’re supposed to live in a fantasy land of endless bounty where millions are fleeing some boogey man who’s chasing people to our country. Spoiler alert: There is no boogey man. The doors to America are wide open. At some point all of us will be forced to face the music and ask the real question: What is the limit?