(ProsperNews.net) – The U.S. has seen an 18% surge in homelessness as immigration increases, according to a new Biden administration report.
At a Glance
- U.S. homelessness jumped by 18% in 2024, hitting over 770,000 people.
- Rising rents and migrant influx are major factors.
- Family homelessness increased dramatically in immigration-affected communities.
- Federal aid ended, leaving Americans with climbing housing costs.
Surge in U.S. Homelessness
The Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that homelessness in the U.S. rose to over 770,000 in January 2024, marking an 18% increase over the past year. This rise was the largest since the department began tracking these metrics in 2007. Contributing factors include a significant increase in asylum seekers and high rental costs, both of which have strained the housing market immensely.
The Biden administration’s report identifies the migrant influx as a key element driving homelessness, with data highlighting a notable impact on family homelessness. Some communities even reported a doubling of family homelessness due to migration pressures.
Biden admin partially blames immigration surge for massive spike in homelessness
The Department of Housing and Urban Development found that 770,000 people were homeless across the U.S. on a single night in January 2024, up 18.1% from the same point a year prior. pic.twitter.com/xuwWwdjQsv
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) December 28, 2024
Complexities of the Crisis
The federal government notes that solutions implemented during the pandemic temporarily curbed homelessness growth. However, the end of federal aid combined with continuing economic challenges has left many struggling with rising housing costs. Experts suggest this multifaceted crisis demands an expansive range of solutions.
Compounding the crisis, the government does not track the migration status of the homeless. This absence complicates analysis as authorities try to discern between domestic and migration-related homelessness. Nonetheless, trends point to a Climbing number of chronically homeless individuals and those living in public spaces.
The Biden administration’s policies allowing millions of illegal immigrants into our country and provided them shelter has turned its back on the citizens they are responsible for. https://t.co/vlplLaVVbz
— Robert Greenway (@RC_Greenway) December 27, 2024
Policy and Public Response
Recent government reports indicate extreme weather events like the Maui fire have also led to rising homelessness. Despite nuanced circumstances, some cities have reported declines, credited to strategic policy amendments.
Looking forward, the Biden administration is building on housing strategies, including zoning regulation shifts and bolstered housing subsidy funding. Yet, public frustration with homelessness persists, fueling new legislation criminalizing homelessness in certain locales. President-elect Trump and allies argue for reallocating federal funds from housing to address drug and mental health issues, further inflaming policy debates.
Copyright 2024, ProsperNews.net
