Illegal immigration is being blamed.
A new report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals a notable increase in homelessness, with the number of homeless individuals reaching an all-time high of 771,480 in January 2024. This represents an 18% rise from 2023, marking the highest level of homelessness tracked since HUD began its records in 2005. Several factors are believed to have contributed to this increase, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui fires. However, a significant portion of the rise in homelessness occurred in areas that saw a substantial influx of undocumented immigrants seeking housing.
In particular, cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver, which have been destinations for immigrants sent from Texas by Governor Greg Abbott, faced challenges in managing the rising demand for shelter. These cities reported a sharp increase in family homelessness, and some even turned to using unconventional spaces like airports and schools to accommodate the overflow. Family homelessness in these cities surged significantly compared to other regions in the country.
HUD Administrator Adrianne Todman pointed to the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat homelessness, referencing successful reductions in veteran homelessness by over 50% since 2010. She also noted improvements in cities where migrant shelters had previously been overwhelmed, with shelter occupancy significantly decreasing by the time the report was released. The report attributed the drop in migrant shelter demand to a 60% reduction in illegal border crossings, which had reached their lowest point since 2020.
However, it remains difficult to pinpoint exactly how much of the rise in homelessness can be attributed to the increase in illegal immigration, as local authorities do not track the immigration status of homeless individuals. At the same time, a senior official from U.S. Customs and Border Protection noted that the number of illegal border crossings had decreased significantly in December 2024, largely due to new border policies and asylum restrictions enacted by the Biden administration.
The political discourse around immigration continues to be highly charged, with Republican lawmakers blaming the current administration’s policies for the increased number of illegal border crossings. In response, the Mexican government has announced plans to open 25 shelters along its northern border to accommodate deported immigrants, with these shelters set to open in January 2025.
