Maryland’s Sanctuary Policies Under Fire: Immigration Expert Speaks at RWBC
- jolie815
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Republican Women of Baltimore County (RWBC) recently hosted Nicholas Softy from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) for an eye-opening presentation on the growing impact of illegal immigration in Maryland and across the nation. The event, live-streamed on RWBC’s YouTube Channel, featured both a detailed speech and a follow-up interview with Softy, offering attendees a sobering look at how immigration policy is shaping communities at every level.
Watch the full presentation here: RWBC YouTube – Nicholas Softy
A Veteran’s Perspective on a National Crisis
Drawing on his firsthand experience and public policy insight, U.S. Navy veteran Nicholas Softy addressed the complex realities behind immigration reform and border security. He outlined how Maryland’s sanctuary laws and pro-illegal immigration measures have created ripple effects felt by residents statewide—from increased crime rates to escalating taxpayer burdens.
“Unchecked immigration,” he warned, “is not just a border issue—it’s a community issue.”
Softy noted that under the Biden administration, an estimated 250,000 illegal crossings occur each month, leading to what he described as a “shadow amnesty” system. The catch-and-release approach, he said, allows individuals to remain in the U.S. under parole programs that bypass established immigration laws.
FAIR’s research estimates that 18.6 million illegal immigrants currently reside in the U.S., with 48 million foreign-born residents overall—about 15% of the total population. This unprecedented growth, Softy emphasized, contributes to roughly 70% of national population increases and costs U.S. taxpayers over $150.7 billion annually.
Public Safety and National Security Concerns
Softy cited alarming statistics about national security risks:
400 individuals on the terrorist watch list were apprehended at northern ports of entry.
15,000 convicted murderers have been released into the U.S., according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“How many others,” Softy asked, “slipped through unregulated areas and are now living in our neighborhoods?”
These policies, he argued, erode community safety and strain public resources, particularly in healthcare and education systems.
Cost of Healthcare Skyrockets
Our medical system is overrun with medical care being provided for illegal immigrants. Wait times are extremely long, offering care to those who are in our country illegally. Americans who work and pay for the system are treated as second class citizens. Waiting alongside those who do not belong in our country in the first place.
Economic and Educational Strain
Softy highlighted how illegal immigration impacts American workers and students alike.
Employers continue to hire undocumented workers “off the books”, violating federal labor laws and undercutting wages for lawful employees.
Abuse of the H-1B visa program, designed for temporary skilled workers, has displaced thousands of American professionals.
For example:
Google laid off 951 employees while hiring 1,058 H-1B workers.
Apple let go of 735, hiring 864 under the same program.
Microsoft laid off 3,426, while onboarding 3,259 foreign workers.
“This isn’t competition—it’s displacement,” Softy said. “We must hold employers accountable who exploit the system and disregard American labor.”
In higher education, he noted, American students are increasingly “competing against the world” for limited college slots, while taxpayer-funded aid supports non-citizen enrollees.
Maryland’s Sanctuary Laws and Local Impact
In 2021, Maryland became a sanctuary state when provisions were attached to the Detention Ban Bill (HB0016). These policies, Softy explained, directly conflict with federal law—specifically the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article VI, Clause II).
Maryland is now home to an estimated 350,000 illegal immigrants, with 121,000 children attending public schools. The average annual cost per illegal alien to Maryland taxpayers is approximately $8,436.
In Baltimore County, designated a sanctuary jurisdiction, immigration enforcement is severely limited:
Local officials are prohibited from inquiring about immigration status without a judicial warrant.
Compliance with federal detainer requests is restricted, leading to the release of roughly 70% of detainees between October 2022 and September 2023.
“Criminal aliens are being released back into our communities,” Softy stated, “and residents are paying the price in both safety and taxes.”
FAIR’s Mission and Vision
Founded as a non-partisan, public interest organization, FAIR is supported by nearly 50 private foundations and over 3 million members nationwide. The organization’s mission is to restore integrity to U.S. immigration policy by reducing overall immigration to sustainable levels—approximately 300,000 entrants annually—while prioritizing national security, economic stability, and environmental stewardship.
FAIR’s guiding principles include:
Adherence to the rule of law.
Respect for human dignity and equality.
Opposition to favoritism or discrimination based on race, religion, or gender.
Learn more at FAIR’s official website.
Solutions for a Strong America
Softy concluded his presentation with a clear set of reforms FAIR supports to restore order and protect citizens:
Build the wall and strengthen border deterrence.
End asylum abuses and parole loopholes.
Enforce immigration laws nationwide.
Detain and remove illegal aliens.
End work authorization for illegal immigrants.
Reform legal immigration to merit-based standards.
Protect voting integrity.
During a brief post-event interview, Softy shared harrowing examples of violent crimes in Baltimore County linked to illegal immigration.
Watch the interview here: Nicholas Softy Interview – RWBC
Conclusion
Nicholas Softy’s presentation served as both a warning and a call to action. His message was clear: America’s future depends on restoring lawful immigration policies that prioritize citizens, strengthen communities, and preserve national sovereignty.
Keep FAIR’s mission going, donate through their website: FAIR’s official website.
