Why People Are Still Donating to Border Wall GoFundMe Even After Trump’s False Claims
Several years ago, former US President Donald Trump made a controversial promise that Mexico would pay for the construction of the border wall. However, as many have noted, these claims were nothing but a facade to rally his base of supporters. Despite this, people continue to donate to GoFundMe pages dedicated to border wall construction. In this article, we will explore why these donations continue, despite knowing the truth about Mexico's financial contributions.
Mexico’s Role in Border Wall Financing
It is a popular misconception that Mexico is directly funding the border wall through contributions to GoFundMe pages. In reality, Mexico generates revenue from the millions of people living in the United States. However, the implication that Mexico is paying for the wall is misleading. According to Border and Immigration Studies, illegals cost taxpayers more than they contribute, but they and legal residents also send $25 billion back to Mexico annually – the largest source of revenue for the country.
This remittance is crucial for Mexico's economy, but it does not negate the fact that illegal immigration imposes a significant fiscal burden on the U.S. government. Reducing illegal immigration would not only eliminate this burden but justify the cost of building a wall. Numerous studies, including one from CIS, have demonstrated that a wall could pay for itself and then some.
Financial Impact and Fiscal Savings
A study from CIS (Center for Immigration Studies) estimated that illegal border-crossers create an average fiscal burden of approximately $74,722 during their lifetimes, excluding any costs for their U.S.-born children. The organization further predicts that another 1.7 million illegal aliens are expected to cross the Southwest U.S. border over the next decade. If a wall could prevent between 160,000 and 200,000 illegal crossings – which is 9 to 12 percent of those expected to cross in the next decade – the fiscal savings would equal the cost of the wall. In other words, by stopping half of those expected to enter illegally, the wall could save taxpayers nearly $64 billion over the next decade.
These financial benefits are compelling, especially when one considers that despite Mexico's nominal "donation," it does not substantially alleviate the burden on the U.S. taxpayer. Moreover, the leftover money can be used for other pressing needs, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Trump’s Lying and Manipulation
It's crucial to understand that Trump promised the wall primarily to excite his base and garner support. His claims that Mexico would pay were political rhetoric designed to appeal to his supporters. In reality, Mexico did send a check, but it was in pesos. The amount was so insignificant that it could buy a margarita and chips, not millions of dollars to build a border wall.
Trump's dishonesty is well-documented. He is not just a liar; he is a proven manipulator who shows no remorse for his lies. He has repeatedly lied about Mexico's intentions and the actual cost of the border wall. It is a testament to his lack of credibility that people still donate to these GoFundMe pages, given the clear evidence of his promises not being met.
Conclusion
In summary, the continued donations to border wall GoFundMe pages are perplexing, given Mexico's financial contributions and the overwhelming evidence of Trump's false claims. The fiscal benefits of reducing illegal immigration far outweigh the costs of building a wall. These resources can better be utilized for other critical needs. It is time to recognize the truth and move forward with policies that prioritize public interest and fiscal responsibility.