The rising cost and growing discord of US boat arrivals
The Centre for Immigration Studies estimates that US governments will spend $296 billion over the lifetime of immigrants who have come into the country in the last two years.
Key West, Florida | From the narrow coastal road out of continental America’s most southerly town, where the cruise ship tourists enjoy their fruit daiquiris and snorkelling, a rickety boat suddenly rises from the horizon on distant shoals.
There have been a record 5.4 million illegal immigrant encounters in the last two years under the Biden administration – but it was an unexpected sight from the air-conditioned comfort of a hire car to see 22 people attempting to make it to shore.
Matthew CranstonUnited States correspondentMatthew Cranston is the United States correspondent, based in Washington. He was previously the Economics correspondent and Property editor. Connect with Matthew on Twitter. Email Matthew at mcranston@afr.com
