The Cost of Failed Border Policies: TB Cases Surge in the U.S

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Sharlee01posted 2 days ago

From Containment to Collapse: How Border Policy Fueled a TB Comeback

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial disease that primarily attacks the lungs but can spread to other organs. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. Without proper treatment, TB can be fatal, and drug-resistant strains make treatment more complicated and expensive. For decades, the U.S. had successfully reduced TB cases through strong public health measures, with cases falling to historically low levels before 2020.

Since then, however, rising case numbers have been linked not only to global migration trends but also, as many observers argue, to political decisions that left U.S. borders porous and weakened health vetting at points of entry. A dramatic rise in individuals requesting asylum placed major strain on the system, and critics contend that the administration in power failed to apply practical problem-solving skills to manage the influx. This has left the nation more vulnerable to diseases like TB, conditions with limited treatment options and potential to spread quickly. If left unchecked, TB could expand far beyond current numbers and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to millions of deaths.

Here are the supporting points from the CDC:

Long-term decline: Reported TB cases in the U.S. declined steadily for nearly 30 years, starting in the early 1990s.

Lowest levels in history: In 2019, the U.S. reached its lowest number of reported TB cases since national reporting began in 1953 — 8,896 cases (2.7 per 100,000 people).

Pandemic disruption: In 2020, reported cases dropped even further (to 7,174), but CDC noted that this was partly due to COVID-19 disruptions in testing and diagnosis, not just true reductions in TB incidence.

So yes — it is accurate to say TB cases had fallen to historically low levels before 2020 due to decades of strong public health measures.

TB Cases in 2024

In 2024, the U.S. reported 10,347 tuberculosis (TB) cases, with an incidence rate of 3.0 cases per 100,000 population (CDC provisional data).

This represented an 8% increase in total cases and a 6% increase in incidence rate compared to 2023.

TB cases were reported in all 50 states; no state was TB-free in 2024.

Demographics

Non–U.S.–born individuals accounted for 76% of TB cases (7,915 cases), with a rate of 15.5 per 100,000.

U.S.–born individuals accounted for 23% of cases (2,356 cases), with a rate of 0.8 per 100,000.

This shows that foreign-born residents are significantly more likely to develop TB, often linked to latent TB infection reactivating after arrival in the U.S.

States with the HIGHEST TB Burden OF TB

Nearly half of all TB cases (49%) occurred in just four states:

California – 2,100 cases (5.4 per 100,000)

Texas – incidence rate of 4.0 per 100,000

New York – incidence rate of 4.6 per 100,000 (includes NYC)

Florida – incidence rate of ~2.8 per 100,000

Other high-incidence states included Alaska (10.6 per 100,000) and Hawaii (8.1 per 100,000).

MIGRANT Populations BY STATE--- NOTE CORRELATION

States with the largest foreign-born populations are also the ones with the highest TB burden:

California – ~10.4 million foreign-born (27% of population)

Texas – ~5.2 million

Florida – ~4.8 million

New York – ~4.5 million

By proportion, the states with the highest share of foreign-born residents are:

California (27%)

New Jersey (24%)

New York (23%)

Florida (22%)

Nevada (19%)

Massachusetts (18%)

Texas (18%)

Michigan (17%)

From 2020 to mid-2024, the top states for net international migration were:

California (1,059,143)

Texas (934,230)

Florida (820,761)

New York (519,395)

In 2023 alone, inflows of new foreign residents were highest in California (313,560), Florida (289,829), Texas (264,501), and New York (163,636).

CORRELATION Between TB and Migrants

The overlap is clear: states with the highest numbers of migrants—California, Texas, New York, and Florida—are also the states with the highest TB case counts.

Migrants are disproportionately affected: 76% of all U.S. TB cases are in non–U.S.–born individuals.

Higher TB incidence is linked to migrants arriving from countries with higher TB prevalence and the reactivation of latent TB infections.

TB remains a nationwide concern: all states reported cases in 2024.

California, Texas, New York, and Florida are the epicenters, both for migrant populations and TB cases.

While migrants bring important contributions to the U.S., public health data shows they also represent the majority of TB cases, underscoring the need for targeted screening, treatment, and prevention programs.

Key Figures Recap (2024):

Total TB cases: 10,347

Non–U.S.–born share: 76%

States with half of all cases: CA, TX, NY, FL

Highest incidence rates: Alaska (10.6), Hawaii (8.1), California (5.4), New York (4.6), Texas (4.0)

The Spread

Once TB reaches a certain threshold in a community, the pace of spread increases. This is because each active TB case can expose many others, and with more infected individuals circulating, the chances of new infections multiply. Public health experts describe this as a “tipping point”: when cases are rare, they can often be tracked and contained; but once case numbers grow, it becomes much harder to trace contacts, provide timely treatment, and prevent wider outbreaks. In this environment, latent TB infections are more likely to be reactivated, and new cases emerge at a faster rate. Without aggressive control measures, this cycle can lead to exponential growth of cases.

Sources
https://hardydiagnostics.com/blog/tuber … -the-world
Charts https://www.cdc.gov/tb-data/2024-provisional/index.html

Are you concerned? I was back in 2022 when I noted a few reports on TB showing up in our larger states. The new data shows it was ignored, under-reported, and has now become a problem that we must deal with to prevent it from reaching the level where we see widespread death.
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  tsmogposted 2 days agoin reply to this
  Nope, I'm not concerned and I live in California. Why? I have to many other worries to add another. Plus, due to diabetes I see my primary care physician quarterly offering opportunity for close monitoring of my health/wellness.
  
  However, thanks for the well researched interesting read. I learned. After reading it I peeked to see the symptoms to offer awareness. I must confess with what was provided I do see a need for community, regional, and national monitoring. That would be and has been wise.
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  Sharlee01posted 2 days agoin reply to this
  I think your suggestion of screening would be a great place to start. I have been following the issue since 2020, and I will go out on a limb and say- we are now at the point where the media will be covering the issue. Hopefully, our state representatives will take up the issue and start offering testing. Primary responsibility for prevention and control lies with state and local health departments, who report all suspected and confirmed TB cases to the CDC.
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  Willowarborposted 2 days agoin reply to this
  "rising case numbers have been linked not only to global migration trends but also, as many observers argue, to political decisions that left U.S. borders porous and weakened health vetting at points of entry.
  
  Asylum isn't a political decision though, it's actual immigration law. There was an opportunity to make some common sense changes and an actual political decision was made to keep everything just the way it is...
  
  I'm a little conflicted over this post though considering who is in charge of the nation's health right now
  The post relies on CDC study and numbers which we are all being completely disparaged by Junior. He has repeatedly stated that the agency just isn't credible... He takes issue with literally anything and everything the agency has put out, so it's curious that you've expressed support for the man and then point to CDC study.
  
  I mean we do have tuberculosis vaccines... Looks like the rate of that vaccination is declining...gee wonder why??
  
  If we took a Kennedy stance on this we would simply say that healthy people don't die from tuberculosis... He has made the same statement about measles. He takes a eugenics stance. If you're healthy, you'll get through it... If not, oh well. He believes he makes his point when he shows us how he can swim in contaminated water and supposedly the perfectly fine!
  
  Another thought, how many millions of people in our country, per year fly in and out of countries with high rates of all sorts of infectious disease? How many do it multiple times in a year?
  
  If you have concern over the spread of TB Kennedy is certainly not the one to be in charge of the response...
  
  A logical, common sense "political decision " would be to mandate health screening at the border...but nah we don't have very many people who make much sense now do we.
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  Sharlee01posted 2 days agoin reply to this
  "Asylum isn't a political decision though, it's actual immigration law. There was an opportunity to make some common sense changes and an actual political decision was made to keep everything just the way it is..." Willow
  
  I did not say or indicate anything to indicate that asylum is not covered by law. This is what I indicated: that poor decision-making regarding health vetting was practiced. The decision-making was poor, and we now have a growing problem with TB. Biden approved catch and release. And Americans will now have a deadly disease to deal with. With TB on the rise, he could have shut the border. As Trump should do.
  
  Since then, however, rising case numbers have been linked not only to global migration trends but also, as many observers argue, to political decisions that left U.S. borders porous and weakened health vetting at points of entry. A dramatic rise in individuals requesting asylum placed major strain on the system, and critics contend that the administration in power failed to apply practical problem-solving skills to manage the influx. This has left the nation more vulnerable to diseases like TB, conditions with limited treatment options and potential to spread quickly. If left unchecked, TB could expand far beyond current numbers and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to millions of deaths.
  
  RFK has no connection to the CDC, and I’ve never expressed support for him—in fact, quite the opposite. I very recently shared my thoughts about him in a post to Cred. I don’t appreciate you attributing false statements to me that I never made. In fact, I would appreciate you did not approach me if you don't have anything constructive to add to my conversations. You frequently don't appear to read comments and just post, which leads to long expansions where you fully miss the context of my post. As you did here...
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  Willowarborposted 2 days agoin reply to this
  "Biden approved catch and release.'
  
  Biden didn't "approve" catch and release. Again, we all know that that is the way the system works. Trump did plenty of it under his first regime. People complain about all the features of our immigration system but never seem to want to actually change it, you know like legally.... Very odd.
  
  As HHS, JUNIOR overseas the CDC and he has been talking about them quite a bit and all the changes he has planned for them... Exciting stuff I'm sure. God forbid we have any health crisis in this country while we're under this regime.
  
  And as far as a stating support for junior... Just look back at what you've written .
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Kathleen Cochranposted 2 days ago
Used to be we didn't have measles either. And we can't blame that on immigrants. This administration is leading this charge.
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  Sharlee01posted 2 days agoin reply to this
  "Used to be we didn't have measles either. And we can't blame that on immigrants. This administration is leading this charge." Kathleen
  
  And no, this administration is not leading the charge--- If one considers facts
  
  You may want to do a bit of research before forming a view on this issue. Start at CDC---
  
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that while the United States achieved measles elimination in 2000, the disease remains a public health concern due to imported cases and outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates.
  
  According to CDC data, as of April 17, 2025, there were 800 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., with 6% (48 cases) attributed to international importation. The majority of cases (94%) were U.S.-acquired, often occurring in communities with low vaccination coverage. Notably, 96% of these cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status
  CDC
  .
  In 1983, a measles outbreak in Dade County, Florida, affected 93 children, with 93.5% of cases occurring among migrant workers and their dependents. This highlights the vulnerability of certain populations to vaccine-preventable diseases when vaccination rates are low
  CDC
  
  The CDC emphasizes that measles outbreaks in the U.S. are typically linked to imported cases from countries where measles remains endemic. The risk of widespread transmission is higher in communities with low vaccination rates, underscoring the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage to prevent outbreaks
  CDC
  
  In summary, while migrants can introduce measles into the U.S., the primary risk factors for outbreaks are low vaccination rates and the presence of unvaccinated individuals in communities. Ensuring high vaccination coverage is crucial to preventing the spread of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Willowarborposted 2 days ago
According to the CDC, the main reasons for the increase are:

Pandemic-related disruptions to healthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted TB prevention and care. Resources and staff were diverted, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Many people delayed seeking care, which resulted in more advanced cases by the time they were finally diagnosed in subsequent years.

Increased travel and migration: After the pandemic's travel restrictions lifted, a rebound in international travel and migration occurred. The CDC notes that the vast majority of U.S. TB cases are diagnosed in people born in other countries where TB is more common. Many of these cases arise from latent (inactive) TB infections that reactivate years after a person arrives in the U.S..

Persistent health disparities: TB rates are disproportionately high in certain populations, reflecting underlying health inequities. Risk factors include:
Weakened immune systems: Conditions like diabetes, HIV, cancer, or certain medications can increase the risk of a latent TB infection becoming active.

Living and working conditions: People in crowded or institutional settings, such as homeless shelters or correctional facilities, face a higher risk of TB transmission.
Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, limited access to quality healthcare, and social stigma can serve as barriers to prevention and treatment.
State-level outbreaks: Localized outbreaks in several states have significantly contributed to the national rise in cases. For example, a major outbreak in the Kansas City area that began in 2024 has had a notable impact on the overall statistics.
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Willowarborposted 2 days ago
What are the Trump regime's plans to put before Congress common Sense changes to immigration that can be written into law? You know, something more permanent than the executive actions he takes and are quickly swatted away by the courts?
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Sharlee01posted 2 days ago
I mainly posted this thread to document the problem --- I offered much the same information back in 2022. We had many fewer cases than we do today. We have now come to a precipice. And very soon we will reach a serious problem.

I begin with the legal / procedural distinction that underlies everything I’m about to explain: refugees and immigrant-visa applicants are processed through an overseas medical-examination pipeline run under CDC and USCIS technical instructions, which includes required vaccination assessments and other checks before many enter the United States; by contrast, people who present at a U.S. port of entry or are encountered crossing the border to seek asylum are processed through CBP and immigration channels, not the refugee pre-departure medical pipeline, and therefore do not receive that same mandatory overseas medical vetting. That structural difference — not a single presidential order — explains why many asylum claimants have not gone through the kind of medical screening refugees get.
https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-h … hatgpt.com
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refu … hatgpt.com

Next I explain the single most consequential legal tool used during the pandemic: the CDC public-health order that invoked 42 U.S.C. §265 (commonly referred to as “Title 42” in press coverage). The CDC issued an order in March 2020 under its authority to suspend introduction of persons when a communicable disease presents a threat; that order and its implementing regulation gave Border Patrol the authority to expel many people immediately at the land border for public-health reasons rather than hold them for ordinary immigration processing. That policy dramatically altered how many migrants encountered at the border were processed — often they were turned away or expelled rather than put through routine asylum interviews or into systems that would include more systematic health screening.
https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-h … hatgpt.com

The Title 42 policy was not static: CDC and HHS issued orders, exemptions (for example, the CDC later issued explicit exceptions for unaccompanied children), and — after litigation and political debate — the public-health emergency and Title 42 expulsions were formally terminated in spring 2023 when HHS ended the COVID-19 public-health emergency; that process produced a series of court fights and phased implementation that affected when expulsions stopped for different groups. The practical consequence during the pandemic years was that a large proportion of people encountered at the land border were processed under an expedited public-health expulsion rule rather than the normal immigration pipeline that would have enabled more routine screening or vaccination offers at intake.
CDC Stacks

It’s important to be precise about CBP’s medical intake practices. When people are taken into CBP custody there is an initial health interview (CBP Form 2500) and a triage process meant to identify urgent needs and communicable disease signs; that intake is designed to identify and refer people with acute medical issues, not to be a comprehensive public-health screening program comparable to the refugee medical exam. CBP guidance and directives describe the CBP-2500 health intake and a subsequent medical assessment as a triage mechanism that categorizes individuals by medical risk and flags urgent care needs; in practice the intake is often brief and focused on immediate medical conditions rather than full testing or vaccination. Oversight reports and CBP medical guidance make clear the intake is limited by personnel, facilities, and mission.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files … hatgpt.com
Government Accountability Office
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-536 … hatgpt.com

On vaccination requirements and COVID vaccines specifically, two separate facts matter and are often conflated. First, longstanding immigration medical rules (CDC/USCIS technical instructions) require vaccination assessments for many immigrant-visa applicants and for refugees as part of the resettlement/adjustment process — a formal pathway that many asylum claimants do not pass through at the border. Second, COVID-era travel and public-health rules changed over time: at various points the federal government created vaccination or testing rules for international travelers and nonimmigrant travelers, but those COVID-entry vaccine rules were ended in May 2023 and by then the Title 42 order itself was being rescinded; separately, CDC and HHS publicly emphasized that vaccines were available to people regardless of immigration status and many local health programs and community clinics offered voluntary vaccination to migrants after release. Put simply: asylum seekers arriving at the border were not automatically subject to the overseas immigrant/refugee vaccine requirements, and during the pandemic most vaccination activity for migrants was voluntary, provided through local public-health outreach or community clinics rather than forced at the border.
CDC https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-h … hatgpt.com
NAFSA https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-inform … hatgpt.com

Why didn’t the Biden administration simply require vaccination or fuller health screening at the border? There are three interlocking reasons: legal limits, operational constraints, and public-health strategy. Legally, asylum law and basic due-process principles constrain creating blanket, punitive medical conditions that prevent people from seeking asylum; public-health authorities can act in emergencies (that’s how Title 42 was used), but that tool itself is about quick expulsion, not medical screening. Operationally, CBP facilities were repeatedly overwhelmed during migration surges in 2021–2023, and CBP’s intake systems are built for short triage, not detailed medical workups or mass vaccination campaigns. From a public-health strategy perspective, federal agencies and public-health partners prioritized offering vaccines through community outreach, local public-health clinics, and voluntary programs (often run by health departments or NGOs) after release because real, enforceable mandatory vaccination at that moment would have faced legal, logistical, and ethical barriers.
American Immigration Council https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil. … hatgpt.com
Government Accountability Office https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-536 … hatgpt.com
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  Willowarborposted 2 days agoin reply to this
  Health Screening in Immigrants, Refugees, and International Adoptees - PMC https://share.google/paRMs03NfgZC11Ao6
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  wildernessposted 2 days agoin reply to this
  You are documenting a problem...but I am very afraid that you are putting the majority of the blame in the wrong place.
  
  There is zero doubt that illegal immigration, or legal for that matter, sometimes bring disease into the country with it.
  
  But there is also zero doubt that a well vaccinated population can tolerate the small numbers of disease carriers that we see that way, particularly as Trump has closed the border. That leaves that "well vaccinated population" to consider, and that we are in the process of losing. RFK JR is a major part of it, but so are the anti-vaxxers all across the country that have decided that vaccines are a hoax, cause autism, are dangerous to our very lives, and refuse to vaccinate either themselves of their children. Florida is a good example here.
  
  We have always had some anti vaxxers - what we did NOT have was official recognition (in the form of RFK JR) that they are right. And THAT is going to bite us hard in the coming years. I personally expect a large death toll as well as disfigurations and other disease caused problems from the old diseases that we eliminated from our country as those diseases come back with a vengeance. Measles will be the small part. IMO.
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  Ken Burgessposted 2 days agoin reply to this
  TB is not something we (Americans) are vaxed for...
  
  So yes, it is largely due to immigration, and lack of any control of it during the Biden Administration... the lack of control means no one is given vaccines or health inspection or anything as they enter.
  
  TB vaccines to my recollection only are given under certain circumstances, such as a military deployment to a location where it is known that the population suffers from TB.
  
  Haitians are known to have issues with TB and we had many Haitians brought in during Biden's 4 years
  
  Biden administration extends temporary legal status to 300,000 Haitians, drawing a contrast to Trump
  https://apnews.com/article/temporary-pr … 1899aa926d
  
  HIV and TB Overview: Haiti
  https://www.cdc.gov/global-hiv-tb/php/w … haiti.html
  
  When I was deployed to deal with Haitians we were vaccinated for TB and were made aware of the risk of HIV... in fact, I do not recall ever being briefed more thoroughly for the serious health risks associated with a deployment than that one... and I was deployed quite a bit.
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  wildernessposted 47 hours agoin reply to this
  I've been out of the loop too long - I was thinking that the smallpox mark on our arms was for TB. I get a yearly flu shot, and one for COVID, but the children's vaccines are many, many years ago.
  
  But it does not change that our government, in the form of Kennedy, is shutting down vaccinations. Nor does it change that we are going to pay a very high price for his ignorant behavior on vaccines in general. This is one of the few mistakes Trump has made, and perhaps the worst.
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  Willowarborposted 47 hours agoin reply to this
  "the lack of control means no one is given vaccines or health inspection or anything as they enter...."
  
  Nah...
  
  US immigration policy requires medical screenings for refugees, immigrants, and asylees to identify inadmissible health conditions, primarily communicable diseases of public health significance and mental health disorders associated with harmful behaviors. Screenings include medical histories, physical exams, vaccinations, and specific tests like for tuberculosis and syphilis. These exams are performed by panel physicians overseas and civil surgeons in the US, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Refusal to undergo the exam or the presence of a Class A medical condition can lead to inadmissibility to the U.S.
  
  AI
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  Sharlee01posted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  Biden just keeps on giving----
  
  Health Screening Gaps for Unauthorized Migrants
  
  While migrants entering through official channels, such as the Humanitarian Parole Program or refugee resettlement, were required to undergo medical screenings—including TB tests—before arrival, those who entered the country without authorization often did not receive such screenings. This discrepancy has raised concerns among public health experts and officials.
  
  For instance, in October 2024, Louisiana's Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration after a Chinese migrant with a rare and aggressive form of drug-resistant tuberculosis entered the U.S. illegally. The lawsuit highlighted that the migrant had not been medically cleared and had potentially exposed over 200 detainees and others during her time in custody. The legal action underscored the risks associated with the lack of health vetting for unauthorized migrants.
  https://nypost.com/2024/10/23/us-news/l … hatgpt.com
  Public Health Implications
  
  The absence of consistent health screenings for unauthorized migrants has contributed to the resurgence of TB in the U.S. In 2023, approximately 76% of TB cases occurred among foreign-born individuals, many of whom may have entered the country without undergoing necessary medical evaluations. https://www.fairus.org/issue/tuberculos … hatgpt.com
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  Willowarborposted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  Your citation lists several problems and or limitations with the evaluations of those granted asylum... None were created by Biden. None addressed by Congress . What is Trump's plan to revamp procedures?
  
  Attempting to pin TB rates on Biden, who acted within immigration law, is just so disingenuous and completely ignores a multitude of variables that impact the increase.
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  Sharlee01posted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  The U.S. Constitution and laws set up a division of powers between state governments and the federal government when it comes to public health: Federal authority: The federal government can step in under certain conditions, but its role is limited. The CDC and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide guidance, funding, and coordination. Trump has nothing to do with the problem Biden left the states.
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  Willowarborposted 36 hours agoin reply to this
  Biden didn't create or leave any "problem" for the states. He operated with the immigration system. The country is actually collapsing in many ways under this regime and some think it's time to reflect on Biden??
  
  The great concern over public health rings hollow when there is support for Trump's hire of crank Kennedy.
  
  Jr. stated he will direct the National Institutes of Health to "give infectious disease a break for about eight years".
  
  His philosophy? If you're healthy you won't die from it... If not, OH WELL ...
  
  "it's hard for an infectious disease to kill a healthy person with a rugged immune system". RFKJR... I would think that if people were really concerned, they would turn their attention to this crank.
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  Sharlee01posted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  To say Biden didn’t “create or leave any problem” for the states is simply not true. Under his administration, catch-and-release policies exploded, asylum backlogs hit record historic highs, and more than 9 million migrants have crossed since 2021, most with minimal vetting. That isn’t “just operating within the system”, that’s deliberately bending the system until it breaks. States like Texas, Arizona, and New York aren’t crying foul because they want to score political points; they’re overwhelmed with housing, healthcare, education, and law enforcement costs. That’s a direct consequence of Biden’s choices.
  
  And let’s not pretend the country did not collapse under this regime. We had record inflation spikes that crushed working families, rising crime in major cities, and infectious diseases like TB and measles making comebacks. Meanwhile, his foreign policies created a mess, Afghanistan was a disaster, Ukraine is bleeding billions of our tax dollars, and Iran has been emboldened to fund terror groups again. Due to Biden finding legal ways to offer up 16 billion to Iran.
  
  So yes, it’s time to reflect, but not on Biden’s so-called “restraint.” It’s time to reflect on the damage his administration has done, both at home and abroad. If this isn’t a problem, then what exactly qualifies as one?
  
  You keep trying to drag Trump and RFK into this, but my point is about your guy, Biden, and the disaster he’s left this country in. Don’t insult people’s intelligence by repeating that tired line, “he followed the immigration laws.” That’s nonsense.
  
  A president sets priorities and enforces laws as written, and Biden chose to open the floodgates. Under a strong leader, we have no chaos at our border. Under Biden, it’s been millions pouring across, overwhelming a broken system. To act like that’s just “business as usual” is beyond silly; it’s willful blindness to the damage right in front of us.
  
  And let’s be clear: Trump never broke any laws regarding border crossings. His policies were tough, and yes, they were challenged in court, from “Remain in Mexico” to the border wall funding to zero-tolerance. But those were policy disputes, not criminal acts. He operated within the law, using executive authority, and when courts ruled, his administration adjusted.
  
  Biden, on the other hand, went in the opposite direction, expanding catch-and-release, ignoring health vetting, and creating a record-breaking asylum backlog. That’s the real difference: one enforced the law to protect the country, Bidebn bent it until it broke.
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  Sharlee01posted 46 hours agoin reply to this
  This outbreak is clearly from migrants. Its first cases were in states that have the highest population of migrants.
  
  The largest Haitian immigrant populations in the United States are concentrated in the following areas:
  
  Top U.S. States by Haitian Immigrant Population
  
  Florida – Approximately 487,632 Haitian immigrants, accounting for about 2.15% of the state's population.
  World Population Review
  
  New York – Around 182,316 Haitian immigrants, representing 0.94% of the state's population.
  World Population Review
  
  Massachusetts – Approximately 81,050 Haitian immigrants, making up 1.16% of the state's population.
  World Population Review
  
  New Jersey – Around 70,177 Haitian immigrants, comprising 0.7% of the state's population.
  Wikipedia
  
  Georgia – Approximately 61,575 Haitian immigrants, about 0.5% of the state's population.
  Wikipedia
  
  States with the HIGHEST TB Cases
  
  California – Consistently has the highest number of TB cases, particularly in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego counties.
  
  New York – New York City, in particular, has a significant TB burden, including among immigrant communities.
  
  Texas – Large urban centers like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio report the most cases.
  
  Florida – Especially in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, which have large immigrant populations.
  
  Georgia – Atlanta and surrounding counties report higher case numbers relative to other parts of the state
  
  Is This Conisadental?
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  Willowarborposted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  Again...Incidence rates provide the clearest picture of disease frequency relative to a state's population.
  
  In 2024, the highest rates were found in:
  Alaska: 12.7 per 100,000
  Hawaii: 8.1 per 100,000
  California: 5.3 per 100,000
  New York (including NYC): 5.5 per 100,000
  Texas: 4.0 per 100,000
  
  Coincidental? I don't know. But I do know that correlation does not equal causation.
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  Sharlee01posted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  I prefer the CDC stats
  
  U.S. Tuberculosis Cases by State – 2024 (Provisional CDC Data)
  
  TOTAL CASES in U.S. TB cases: 10,347
  
  National TB rate: 3.0 per 100,000 population (an increase of 8% from 2023)
  CDC
  
  Below are select states with notable numbers and trends:
  
  State TB Cases (2024)
  
  California 2,100
  
  New York (incl. NYC) 1,083
  
  Florida 681
  
  Texas 1,238
  
  Alaska 94
  
  Hawaii 117
  
  Kansas 115
  
  Maine 39
  
  Washington 257
  
  What About 2025 Data?
  
  There is no comprehensive statewide TB data for 2025 yet—these figures typically become available months or even a year after reporting.
  
  CDC
  https://chatgpt.com/c/68bcc51c-c88c-833 … 65273d4270
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  61
  Willowarborposted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  My stats were directly from the CDC.
  
  The CDC also lists incidence rates.
  There appears to be a lack of understanding that obviously a state the size of California will have many more cases than a state such as alaska, that is why it's important to look at incidents per 100,000... That's a more accurate picture.
  
  You did this with murder rates also... Sheer number does not accurately reflect the picture.
  
  Alaska has the highest incidents rate of TB per 100,000... More than double that of California.
  
  Reporting Area Data | Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2023 | CDC https://share.google/IS1SiXt1w3dL08aMx
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  84
  Sharlee01posted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  2023? Lets look at 2024 --- no stats for 2025 --- wonder why?
  
  Provisional 2024 Tuberculosis (TB) Data — United States
  
  In 2024, there were 10,347 reported cases of tuberculosis in the U.S., corresponding to a rate of 3.0 cases per 100,000 population. This reflects an 8% increase in case counts and a 6% INCREASE in incidence rate compared to 2023.
  CDC
  
  For comparison, 2023 saw 9,622 cases at a rate of 2.9 per 100,000, highlighting that the upward trend in TB cases continues, though the increase for 2024 is less steep than the 15% jump observed from 2022 to 2023.
  CDC
  
  Notably, 34 states and the District of Columbia reported increases in both TB case counts and rates from 2023 to 2024
  https://www.cdc.gov/tb-data/2024-provis … hatgpt.com
  
  I suggest that anyone with a genuine interest in this emerging health crisis take some time to do their own research. I shared this thread to raise awareness of the problem. I’ve already done extensive digging, and I truly believe we’re on the verge of something very serious. That said, I’m not going to spend more time tossing around statistics, the media will be doing plenty of that soon enough. Sadly, many Americans don’t pay attention until they’re suddenly hit with the reality themselves. My hope is that some will take this seriously now and do some deeper research into the issue.
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  61
  Willowarborposted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  I wouldn't hold your breath for any solution on anything health-related with this bunch...
  
  Not sure what you want Americans to do? Trump put a crank who doesn't believe in infectious disease in control of this nation's health.
  
  We are at the mercy of whatever the fool wants to do.
  
  But hey maybe he's on to something let the germs fly! Natural selection will sort it all out, right? This is America today.
  
  The really tragic thing? Two Republicans, who happened to be DOCTORS, voted to confirm JR.
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  84
  Sharlee01posted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  Like I said, Trump's not responsible --- up to the individual states to handle this health crisis. You repeat yourself --- Trump bad, RFK even badder! Maybe if states say "pretty please," Trump might help. But I think he learned his lesson the first time around.
  
  reply report
  61
  Willowarborposted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  Trump appointed the man and the sycophants that we call Republican Representatives rubber stamped him.
  
  Yes, Trump is responsible. Odd that you don't address the bizarre beliefs and statements from Junior.
  
  So we're back to states rights????
  
  Handle your own healthcare crisis but we'll send in the National Guard when your crime is on the decline....
  
  The waffling and pretzeling is just incredible on this forum.
  
  States rights for some issues but not for others? How does that work?
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  61
  Willowarborposted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  The stats were presented incorrectly. California does not have the highest number of TB cases because it has a high number of immigrants in the states.. it has the largest population. Of course, in sheer number, it will always have the highest number of cases.
  
  When we look at rates per 100,000 Alaska takes top prize. Are they a state with high immigration?
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  84
  Sharlee01posted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  I did not take the time to sort out per 100,000. I think anyone interested, and if the spread is in their own state, they might be inclined to do that bit of extra research. Just like a leftist --- "but look here" --- no folks look at the facts we have TB spreading in our nation, and it is on the rise. I was handing out no prizes --- I can't believe you would even go there. By the way, Alaska is an anomaly.
  1. Higher Rates in Indigenous Communities
  
  Alaska Native populations have historically had much higher TB rates than the general U.S. population.
  
  Crowded housing, limited access to healthcare, and historical health disparities contribute to this.
  
  According to the CDC, Alaska Natives accounted for a disproportionate share of TB cases in the state for decades.
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  61
  Willowarborposted 30 hours agoin reply to this
  "Crowded housing, limited access to healthcare, and historical health disparities contribute to this."
  
  So this little fact only applies to the indigenous population of alaska but not to those in our largest cities?
  
  You've inadvertently undone part of your own argument...
  
  Because yes.. the CDC attributes crowded housing and limited access to healthcare (AS COMMONLY SEEN IN OUR LARGEST CITIES) as a major contributor to the spread of tuberculosis....
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  84
  Sharlee01posted 26 hours agoin reply to this
  I’m not here to argue my view with you. In my opinion, President Biden, through his inability to address problems, allowed over 9 million migrants to enter our nation in one way or another. They were not properly vetted as our laws require, and as a result, we are now seeing several contagious diseases spreading and getting worse. You’re free to believe whatever you like—that’s the point of opinions, we’re all entitled to them.
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  61
  Willowarborposted 25 hours agoin reply to this
  Biden worked under the immigration laws. As far as the vetting goes, we all know that the argument is disingenuous...
  
  COVID severely disrupted the medical vetting of immigrants at the border...
  
  Checked it out with AI..
  
  Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the medical vetting of immigrants at the U.S. border, leading to reduced screenings and testing, overcrowding in holding facilities, and heightened health risks.
  
  There seems to be a whole lot of talk about Biden lately... That's how you know the Trump regime is circling the drain.
  
  Why talk about Biden when you can daily sing the praises of dear leader's accomplishments??
  
  The economy is in the dumps. He's boarding children on to planes in the middle of the night, roughing up businessmen, threatening war on an American city, firing statisticians who produce numbers he doesn't like, ignoring inflation/ rising costs for absolutely everything, unemployment on the rise... Turned absolutely every economic indicator toward the negative since he took office. This regime is an absolute shit show
  .
  Oh and no big deal here...11 people were massacred in international waters without trial, that’s MURDER under U.S. law...
  report
  84
  Sharlee01posted 46 hours agoin reply to this
  Deleted
  61
  Willowarborposted 46 hours agoin reply to this
  "There is no vaccination for TB--- There has never been a vaccine in the U.S. to prevent tuberculosis (TB)"
  
  But there actually IS a vaccine.
  reply report
  84
  Sharlee01posted 46 hours agoin reply to this
  You posted before I even finished my comment.... Odd, I was writing that there is no vaccine that the US uses, due to ineffectiveness. You never understand context. You jumped out before I even finished my comment. It's very odd at best.
  reply report
  84
  Sharlee01posted 46 hours agoin reply to this
  Dan, the U.S. does not routinely vaccinate against tuberculosis (TB). The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine does not reliably prevent pulmonary TB, which is the most common form in adults, and carries some risks. For these reasons, it is generally not used in the United States. BCG is primarily reserved for children in countries with high TB prevalence or for certain high-risk individuals.
  
  So prevention relies on testing, and on early detection and proper treatment. TB can often go unnoticed in its early stages because symptoms, such as a mild cough, fatigue, or night sweats, can be easily mistaken for something minor. If it isn’t caught early, it becomes harder to treat and more dangerous. The good news is that TB is treatable with antibiotics, and with proper treatment, the mortality rate for drug-susceptible TB is less than 5%. However, untreated TB can be deadly, with roughly 50% of patients dying over a few years if not treated. Drug-resistant forms are much more dangerous, with mortality rates of 20–50%.
  
  TB is also highly contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The most effective way to contain it is through widespread testing, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. Like COVID-19, STATE Health departments are legally responsible for managing outbreaks, tracking cases, and ensuring proper public health measures are in place. Testing and monitoring are critical to preventing TB from spreading unchecked in communities.
  
  We can only hope that someone in Washington steps up quickly to address this outbreak. It’s not the federal government’s role to dictate to the states, so each state needs to take responsibility. Remember what Trump faced when he tried to help control COVID: Nancy dancing in Chinatown, protesters yelling about stopping incoming flights from China. Our real challenge now is that we have no clear idea how many migrants entering the country may unknowingly have TB. Yet somehow, the blame always seems to fall on Trump.
  
  You know, I don’t think RFK should hold his current position. But at the same time, he might have the mindset to take action on this outbreak. I just hope someone steps up.
  reply report
61
Willowarborposted 2 days ago
Trump put a complete crank in charge of this nation's health.. that shows you how much he cares about people LOL
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61
Willowarborposted 47 hours ago
Medical assessment at the border:

Upon arrival at a port of entry, Customs and Border Protection officers screen for obvious signs of illness.

An officer may refer an individual for a medical examination if there is a specific concern about a health-related inadmissibility ground, such as a communicable disease of public health significance.

After being granted asylum...

If and when an asylum seeker is approved for asylum, they become an "asylee".
At that time, they will be receive a domestic medical screening funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement...

AI
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1. 84
  Sharlee01posted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  Catch and release
  
  Under the Biden administration, individuals apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border without proper documentation—commonly referred to as "catch and release" migrants—were not consistently subjected to health vetting, including tuberculosis (TB) screenings.
  
  Health Screening for "Catch and Release" Migrants
  
  While migrants entering through official channels, such as the Humanitarian Parole Program or refugee resettlement, were required to undergo medical screenings—including TB tests—before arrival, those who entered the country without authorization often did not receive such screenings. This discrepancy has raised concerns among public health experts and officials.
  
  For instance, in October 2024, Louisiana's Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration after a Chinese migrant with a rare and aggressive form of drug-resistant tuberculosis entered the U.S. illegally. The lawsuit highlighted that the migrant had not been medically cleared and had potentially exposed over 200 detainees and others during her time in custody. The legal action underscored the risks associated with the lack of health vetting for unauthorized migrants.
  
  .Public Health Implications
  
  "The absence of consistent health screenings for unauthorized migrants has contributed to the resurgence of TB in the U.S. In 2023, approximately 76% of TB cases occurred among foreign-born individuals, many of whom may have entered the country without undergoing necessary medical evaluations "
  CDC https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-h … hatgpt.com
  
  Public health experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening and monitoring to prevent the spread of communicable diseases like TB. The current gaps in health vetting for unauthorized migrants present ongoing challenges to public health efforts.
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  61
  Willowarborposted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  It's mind-numbing that the subject keeps coming back to *catch and release" as if it was invented by Biden...
  reply report
  84
  Sharlee01posted 45 hours agoin reply to this
  No, it was not invented by Biden. Many presidents used it. just not to the degree Biden used it. It has been estimated that more than 9 million migrants have been apprehended during Biden’s administration.
  reply report
  69
  Ken Burgessposted 34 hours agoin reply to this
  Correct. That was my point.
  
  There are the rules and regulations you are supposed to adhere to...
  
  And then there is what is actually done...
  
  Having been in a situation where we were dealing with migrants many years ago, a small but relevant percentage who were known to have HIV or TB, I can tell you from experience... once politics and politicians get involved, the rules go out the window.
  
  The Biden Administration was 4 years of screw the American citizens every which way we can... including allowing in migrants with known health or criminal issues.
  
  To see a summary of the major changes made by Trump:
  
  Summary of Executive Orders and Other Actions on Immigration
  https://cmsny.org/publications/essentia … york-city/
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  84
  Sharlee01posted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  Ken, after looking into this, it’s become very clear that under Biden’s catch-and-release policies, we’ve seen a record-breaking surge of at least 9 million people brought into the country, most with little or no proper vetting, including minimal health evaluations. This has created a serious problem with the spread of measles, TB, and other infectious diseases. Biden’s administration knew about the rise of these illnesses but chose to ignore it.
  
  It’s only a matter of time before this starts making major headlines, because the spread is accelerating, and already, the finger-pointing has begun, with some even blaming Trump and asking why he isn’t doing something about it. But I think we all remember the fiasco when COVID hit: Trump was ignored by Democrats, Pelosi was inviting everyone to Chinatown, and he was called a racist for shutting down incoming flights from China. Then, when he offered help to states, he was told he had “no authority”, all while people were dying in nursing homes.
  
  Honestly, this is disgusting to watch. But soon, it’s going to blow up, and in reality, it couldn’t come at a better time, with midterms just around the corner. The Democrats are the ones who’ll have their hair on fire.
  
  Thanks for the link--- Trump does have great control over the border, and his EOs are very much common sense, and should have been initiated years ago.
  reply report
  61
  Willowarborposted 31 hours agoin reply to this
  "Biden’s catch-and-release policies, "
  
  AGAIN WITH THIS..
  
  Can you point to the section of immigration law pertaining to releasing immigrants into the country after an initial asylum hearing that Biden changed??????
  
  What executive orders are actually standing at this point that Trump has issued? And I mean not paused by a federal court?
  
  I'm seeing that just a couple are standing.
  reply report

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The Cost of Failed Border Policies: TB Cases Surge in the U.S

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The Cost of Failed Border Policies: TB Cases Surge in the U.S

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