A surge in immigration is being linked to a significant increase in homelessness across the United States, raising concerns and debates.
At a Glance
- The U.S. homelessness count reached over 770,000 people in January 2024, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.
- Rising rents and a surge in migrants are cited as key factors contributing to the increase.
- The increase in asylum seekers has significantly impacted family homelessness, with a 39% overall rise.
- Extreme weather events, such as the Maui fire, have also contributed to the rise in homelessness.
- The report is considered an undercount, not accounting for those living with family or friends.
Homelessness on the Rise
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released a report indicating an 18% increase in homelessness across the U.S. during 2024, with over 770,000 people without housing on a single January night. This marks the highest level since 2007, highlighting a significant issue impacting communities nationwide. Among the factors driving this rise, increasing rents and a recent surge in immigration are identified as primary contributors. Cities, especially in border regions and urban areas, are feeling the pressure of housing shortages.
HUD has pointed out an ongoing trend of rising homelessness since 2017. The shortage of affordable housing options makes it challenging to accommodate the growing number of people in need. Family homelessness rose by 39%, with 13 communities notably impacted by migration reporting more than doubled cases of family homelessness.
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
Impact of Migration and Housing Market
The surge in asylum seekers has placed an enormous strain on housing allocations across several communities.
According to HUD, “Migration had a particularly notable impact on family homelessness, which rose 39% from 2023-2024. In the 13 communities that reported being affected by migration, family homelessness more than doubled.”
Yikes.
Biden administration admits #BidenBorderCrisis resulted in more homelessness.
Migrants and End of Covid Restrictions Fuel Jump in Homelessness https://t.co/zyslrZau2j
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) December 28, 2024
The Biden administration has acknowledged these challenges, implementing zoning rule changes and increasing spending on housing subsidies. While some cities have seen a decline in homelessness due to policy shifts and rent slowdowns, public frustration mounts, resulting in laws criminalizing sleeping in public spaces.
Trump needs to hit the ground running on this.
