The Border Crisis and the Truth About Asylum: What Americans Deserve to Know

In the heated debates surrounding our southern border, one narrative is constantly repeated: that the majority of those crossing are simply “seeking asylum.” This statement has been echoed in media, classrooms, and political talking points. But it is not grounded in truth.

Let’s look at the facts:

Since President Biden took office, over 20 million individuals have crossed the U.S. southern border illegally, according to estimates based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data and congressional reports. Yet, fewer than 1 million—less than 5%—have formally applied for asylum. That means more than 95% of those crossing are not seeking asylum but are instead breaking U.S. immigration law, often under the false assumption—or deliberate misinformation—that doing so is not criminal.

Illegal Entry Is a Crime

Contrary to popular belief, crossing the border illegally is a federal crime. Under 8 U.S. Code § 1325, the first illegal entry into the United States is a federal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine. A second offense is a felony, with penalties of up to 2 years in prison.

Yet because of a widespread lack of civic and constitutional education, many Americans—and certainly many immigrants—are unaware of this. This ignorance isn’t just dangerous; it’s being exploited by political actors and foreign cartels who profit off the chaos.

What It Takes to Seek Asylum—Legally

To legally qualify for asylum under U.S. law, an individual must prove they are “unable or unwilling to return to their home country...because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion” (Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 208(b)).

In other words, a person doesn’t qualify just because they’re seeking a better life, escaping poverty, or want a job. Those reasons—however understandable—do not meet the legal threshold. The asylum system is not designed for economic migration; it is designed to protect those fleeing genuine persecution.

Yet the numbers tell us something staggering: the vast majority crossing the border are not claiming asylum at all—let alone proving that they meet the strict legal criteria. They are simply entering illegally, often coached by traffickers, guided by apps like CBP One, or released under vague “parole” programs that were never intended to handle this scale of migration.

The Cost of Civic Illiteracy

This crisis is not just a failure of border security; it’s a failure of civic education.

Too many Americans don’t know the laws of their own nation. Too many students graduate without ever reading the Constitution, without understanding federal statutes, and without grasping the gravity of illegal immigration—not just as a policy issue, but as a matter of law, sovereignty, and national identity.

At The 917 Society, we are working to change that. Our mission is to educate the next generation of Americans about the Constitution, civics, and the values that define our Republic. We believe that if every student understood the rule of law, the structure of our government, and the principles of liberty, they would be better equipped to discern truth from fiction—and stand up for what is right.

The border is not just a line in the sand—it’s a symbol of our national integrity. And the first step to protecting it is understanding the law and telling the truth.

Join us in restoring that understanding. Visit www.917society.org to support constitutional education and empower the next generation of American leaders.

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