U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne linked illegal immigration to housing costs, public safety, and national security during an interview on Let’s Talk Local. Van Duyne opened with the death of Ava Moore, an 18-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate, who was struck and killed by a Venezuelan woman operating a personal watercraft on Grapevine Lake in May 2025. The woman had entered the country illegally and was later indicted on a manslaughter charge.
Impact on Housing Costs
Van Duyne argued that rapid population growth due to illegal immigration increases demand for a limited supply of homes and apartments, pushing prices higher. A Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas working paper supports this argument, estimating that unauthorized immigrant inflows accounted for nearly 30% of home-price growth and about 20% of rent growth in the average metropolitan area from March 2021 through March 2024.
Van Duyne also discussed the need for secure borders and the importance of addressing the root causes of illegal immigration. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that prioritizes national security, public safety, and economic growth.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
