[prolepunk]

First of all, could you please directly link to the source.

Second even if this number is accurate, it is misleading and I will attempt to put it in perspective.

People are coming to us border to claim asylum. They are unable to do that because border agents are understaffed (it's been like that since 2015 during Obama administration) and can only accept so many applications.

In the meantime they have to live in appalling conditions waiting for months to just apply for asylum, in this situation some people choose to cross 'illegally'. Source: https://www.gimletmedia.com/the-cut-on-tuesdays/the-women-of...

[YeahSureWhyNot]

here you go https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/sw-border-migration

[nl]

That says "In FY18, a total of 396,579 individuals were apprehended between ports of entry on our Southwest Border."

It's on course to be higher this year, but well under 1 million.

[darkpuma]

What percentage of attempted crossings result in an apprehension? My impression of ICE/border patrol is that they're an ineffectual agency[s] who're wasting my tax dollars. Basically a glorified jobs program for mouth breathers who can't hack it as real cops, not unlike the TSA. Is that not the case? Are they actually good at their job?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgoldstein/2017/11/09/tsa...

[YeahSureWhyNot]

just because the conditions are appalling doesn't make doing illegal things okay. you don't see me break into my rich neighbors property and move into his garden cottage just because my house is in appalling condition.

[YeahSureWhyNot]

if they 'stole a loaf' and left the house it would be ok but they are moving in to the kitchen to have constant access to the loafs, thats what makes it a problem. once they make it across the border, they still have to maintain decades of illegal lifestyle. the legal framework doesnt let them achieve a normal life where their hard work will afford them a decent life. the struggles and difficulties continue for them and keep pushing them into illegalities. just letting them in illegally doesnt solve a problem. it starts a long chain of other problems that sometimes ends up with them being deported 20 years later.

[topmonk]

Is it wrong to steal a loaf of bread to feed your starving family?

[JetSpiegel]

It might be illegal, but it is morally right.