Measles from Open Borders Puts American Children at Risk
Measles had been on the verge of being eliminated in the U.S., but – thanks, in part, to mass migration — the disease keeps being reintroduced by migrants from countries with less advanced healthcare systems. American children are particularly at risk, which increases as illegal aliens enroll their children in taxpayer-funded U.S. schools. Measles infections have been reported in 41 states, and at the current rate, U.S. measles cases will surpass those recorded in 2023. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) candidly states that migration is the main way measles enters the U.S., stating, “…we expect importations of measles cases into the United States to continue…” Sadly, our political leaders do little to stop these importations.
One example of the public health consequences of open borders was a measles outbreak at a migrant shelter in Chicago in March 2024. Four migrants have been infected, including two children. The city has been one of the worst affected cities by the current migrant crisis due to its sanctuary status that draws migrants. A team of CDCP experts has been sent to assist city authorities with the outbreak. Worryingly, 2,000 illegal alien children have enrolled in Chicago public schools, with between 40 and 50 enrolling in a single elementary school. As they enroll, they could place American children at risk of infection if not properly vetted and immunized.
In large cities, greater population density provides greater opportunity for infection and transmission. Many migrants also come from countries where vaccinations are not provided or offer insufficient protection. In Venezuela, healthcare has essentially collapsed, with Johns Hopkins University finding outbreaks of measles in Venezuela and spreading to countries Venezuelans have traveled to. This is significant given the vast number of Venezuelans who have come to America in the last three years as a result of President Biden’s open-borders policies.
What makes the Chicago outbreak especially worrying is that measles is a potentially dangerous illness for babies and young children, even fatal in some cases. Previous outbreaks in large cities underscore the risk to our children. In 2019, over 600 people were infected with measles in New York City, 80 percent of them children, and their median age was just 3 years old. Measles infections in children can cause complications ranging from pneumonia to organ damage. This risk is unacceptable.
It is a shame that Americans who worked so hard to eliminate measles are seeing it constantly reappearing in our communities thanks to mass illegal immigration and declining vaccination rates. Europe, which like America had essentially eliminated the illness, also now struggles with measles outbreaks. In the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), cases are increasing, in part, thanks to, as one official report delicately words it “…migrants who may enter the EU/EEA insufficiently immuni[z]ed.” America is being similarly challenged by unvaccinated migrants.
America’s children should not be exposed to infectious and potentially dangerous illnesses. The refusal of the current administration to secure the border is compounded by the sheer scale of migration from countries with serious healthcare issues. As illegal alien children enroll in school, they could place American children at risk of measles. Our children should not be forced to pay the price of irresponsible immigration policies.