Fact vs. Fiction: The Claim of 7.2 Million "Illegals" Entering the U.S. Under the Biden Administration

Claim by Charlie Kirk:

A claim suggests that the entry of 7.2 million undocumented immigrants into the U.S. during President Biden’s administration is evidence of the “Great Replacement,” a theory alleging a conspiracy to replace white Americans with nonwhite individuals.

Reasoning:

The figure of 7.2 million, cited from a Fox News story, refers to the number of encounters U.S. border officials had with immigrants at the Southwest border from October 2021 through September 2024. This number does not accurately represent the number of migrants who entered and remained in the U.S., as it includes multiple encounters with the same individuals. The Department of Homeland Security data shows over 3.6 million removals, returns, and expulsions in the same timeframe, further indicating that the 7.2 million figure does not equate to the number of immigrants staying in the country. Additionally, about 2.3 million people have been released into the U.S., mostly families and unaccompanied children, which contrasts sharply with the claim’s implication.

The “Great Replacement” theory is a debunked conspiracy that alleges a deliberate effort to replace white Americans with nonwhite populations. This theory lacks evidence and ignores the complex reasons behind migration, such as war, economic hardship, and the pursuit of safety and opportunity.

Fact or Fiction?

Fiction. The assertion that 7.2 million undocumented immigrants entered the U.S. as part of a “Great Replacement” conspiracy is false. The number cited is misleading and represents border encounters rather than individuals who remained in the country. This claim distorts immigration statistics and misrepresents the reasons behind migration patterns. The “Great Replacement” theory is a baseless conspiracy that has been thoroughly debunked.