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Tackling the Border Crisis

Writer's picture: Alorie BrownAlorie Brown

Photo By David Peinado
Photo By David Peinado

As immigration emerges as a pivotal issue in the 2024 election, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s decision to send additional Georgia National Guard troops to support Texas at the U.S. southern border under Operation Lone Star has reignited debate over the state’s role in national border security. Georgia has been involved in this effort since 2019, contributing to the fight against illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. While state leaders, including Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns, back Kemp’s decision, it has raised important questions about the local impact on Georgia’s economy, public safety, and social services.


Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, stands at the frontlines of these immigration concerns. To understand how these broader policies affect Georgia, I spoke with James Harris, a senior customs agent at the Atlanta airport, who has seen firsthand the impact of national immigration policies on the state.


The Impact of Illegal Immigration on Georgia

Harris explained that Georgia is experiencing a range of effects from illegal immigration, particularly in the areas of public safety, healthcare, and the foster care system. “We’ve seen a rise in human trafficking, and unfortunately, many victims come through our airport,” Harris said. “Organized crime networks exploit vulnerabilities in the immigration system, using the complexity of asylum claims and other processes to their advantage.”


The state’s healthcare system is also feeling the strain. According to Harris, hospitals in regions with high immigrant populations, particularly near transportation hubs, are grappling with an influx of undocumented patients. “Hospitals are doing their best to provide care, but many immigrants don’t have insurance, and that puts extra pressure on resources that were already stretched thin,” Harris noted.


Perhaps most notably, Georgia’s foster care system is facing unprecedented challenges due to the rise in unaccompanied minors entering the state. “We’re seeing more and more children who’ve been separated from their families or who arrived alone, which is overwhelming the foster care network,” he added.


Challenges in Customs and Immigration Enforcement

Harris stressed that one of the major challenges in customs enforcement is the lack of resources. Despite the volume of work, including processing asylum claims and managing expired visas, there is a shortage of personnel, funding, and technology. “We’re constantly trying to do more with less,” he remarked. “We need updated systems to process claims faster and prevent the backlog we’re currently facing.”


As the election looms, Harris believes the next administration has a responsibility to address these systemic issues. “The conversation shouldn’t just be about border security; it needs to be about reforming the entire immigration process,” he said. “Streamlining legal immigration and providing more support for asylum seekers would help reduce the number of people trying to cross illegally.


Election’s Impact on Immigration Patterns

Harris has already observed changes in the flow of migrants and asylum seekers as immigration becomes a focal point in the 2025 election. “Whenever there’s political uncertainty, we see a spike in arrivals,” he explained. “Many people are worried that new policies might limit their chances of entering the U.S., so they take the risk now.”

He believes that the outcome of the election will have a significant impact on immigration patterns in Georgia, particularly in Atlanta, where the customs office plays a key role in enforcing federal policies. “If the next president tightens immigration rules or closes certain pathways, we’ll likely see a drop in asylum seekers. But if there’s more leniency, we could see another wave of arrivals,” Harris predicted.


For customs agents like Harris, the challenge is to remain adaptable. “Our role will definitely change based on whatever policies are implemented, but we’ll continue to do what we’ve always done—protect the borders, ensure security, and process those who are seeking a better life,” he concluded.


As Georgia’s role in border security continues to grow under Governor Kemp’s leadership, the upcoming election will undoubtedly shape how the state navigates the complexities of immigration. For customs officers like Harris, the key to addressing these challenges lies in a combination of enhanced resources, practical reforms, and a thoughtful approach to immigration policy that balances security with compassion.


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