Taxpayers Beware: Meyer's Plan Puts Illegal Immigrants Over Citizens' Needs

Governor Matt Meyer of Delaware has a vision for his state and, by extension, the nation. He wants to pour more money into social services while cutting costs, a promise that sounds noble but collapses under scrutiny. His recent appearance on The Hill, where he pitched this approach as the path to winning back voters, reveals a disconnect from the realities Americans face. Families aren’t clamoring for bigger government handouts; they’re demanding secure borders, lower taxes, and a system that respects the rule of law.

Meyer’s rhetoric echoes a broader trend among certain elected officials who believe piling on services will somehow erase the sting of federal funding cuts and chaotic immigration policies. But this isn’t 1996, when President Clinton could balance welfare reforms with a booming economy. Today, with $880 billion in Medicaid cuts and $230 billion in SNAP reductions looming over the next decade, states like Delaware can’t afford to play Santa Claus. Meyer’s plan isn’t just impractical; it’s a betrayal of the fiscal discipline voters rewarded in 2024.

The governor’s pitch also ignores a seismic shift in public sentiment. Polls from 2024 show 83% of Republicans and a growing number of independents see unchecked immigration as a critical threat. Yet Meyer seems more concerned with expanding services than addressing the border crisis that’s fueling voter frustration. His approach isn’t a strategy to win elections; it’s a recipe for alienating the very people he claims to serve.

What’s worse, Meyer’s call to ‘fight for American values’ rings hollow when his policies sidestep the rule of law. Voters aren’t buying the idea that more spending will fix a system strained by illegal immigration and bureaucratic bloat. They want leaders who prioritize accountability, not those who double down on broken promises.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: immigration. Meyer’s focus on services conveniently skirts the reality that illegal immigration is draining public resources. In 2024, 54% of Republicans surveyed supported deporting all undocumented immigrants, and 81% backed law enforcement checking immigration status during routine stops. These aren’t fringe views; they reflect a growing consensus that lax enforcement undermines national sovereignty. Yet Meyer’s agenda seems to pretend this crisis doesn’t exist.

The Trump administration’s policies, from reinstating the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program to expanding expedited removal, have struck a chord with voters. Daily fines of up to $998 for migrants who fail to self-deport and the reopening of Guantánamo Bay for detention signal a commitment to enforcing the law. Contrast that with Delaware’s leadership, which appears more interested in shielding undocumented immigrants than protecting taxpayers. Programs like 287(g), which empower local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities, are exactly what voters want, yet Meyer’s silence on such measures is deafening.

Then there’s the due process argument, often wielded as a shield by those opposing strict enforcement. Legal advocacy groups claim rapid deportations risk wrongful removals, pointing to the 3.6 million-case backlog in immigration courts. But this backlog isn’t a reason to halt deportations; it’s a symptom of a system crippled by years of weak enforcement. The Supreme Court has upheld the need for notice and hearings, but conservatives argue that expedited removal, when applied correctly, balances efficiency with fairness. Meyer’s failure to engage with this reality suggests he’s more interested in appeasing activists than addressing voter concerns.

Fiscal responsibility also takes a hit. Providing social services to undocumented immigrants costs taxpayers billions, with states like Texas and Florida already reeling from the strain. Delaware, with its smaller budget, can’t afford to follow suit. Meyer’s push for more services ignores the fact that 57% of Republicans favor mass detention over handouts, a sentiment that’s gaining traction nationwide. Voters want their leaders to prioritize citizens, not those who bypass the legal process.

Meyer’s vision of expanded services isn’t just tone-deaf; it’s economically disastrous. The Republican-led budget cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, projected to slash $1.1 trillion in services over a decade, are forcing states to tighten their belts. In Delaware, where public health and education programs are already stretched thin, throwing money at new initiatives is like pouring water into a leaking bucket. The loss of $11.4 billion in COVID-19 funds and $2.1 billion in immunization grants has left states scrambling, with measles outbreaks and clinic closures as the fallout. Meyer’s refusal to acknowledge this reality is a disservice to Delawareans.

Historical precedent backs this up. The 1996 welfare reforms under Clinton showed that trimming bloated programs and prioritizing work over handouts could stabilize economies without sacrificing compassion. Today, with 1.03 million jobs at risk nationwide due to funding cuts, Delaware can’t afford to ignore this lesson. Meyer’s approach risks job losses in healthcare and food industries, not to mention an $8.8 billion hit to state tax revenues. Voters know this, and they’re not impressed by leaders who prioritize optics over outcomes.

Opponents might argue that cutting services harms vulnerable populations, but this ignores the bigger picture. Handing out benefits without addressing the root causes, like illegal immigration and bureaucratic waste, only deepens the problem. The Laken Riley Act, passed with bipartisan support, shows even some Democrats recognize the need for targeted enforcement over blanket compassion. Meyer’s refusal to adapt to this shift puts Delaware at risk of becoming a cautionary tale.

Delaware’s leaders have a choice: cling to outdated policies or embrace the priorities voters have made clear. Project 2025 offers a roadmap, calling for mass deportations, militarized borders, and penalties for states that flout federal immigration laws. These aren’t extreme measures; they’re what 83% of Republicans and a growing number of independents demanded in 2024. By aligning with these principles, Delaware could restore trust and show it’s serious about the rule of law.

Voter outreach is another area where Meyer’s strategy falls short. While he talks about winning back voters, his focus on services over security misses the mark. The evolving electorate, including first-generation citizens, values leaders who enforce laws and protect economic stability. Negative ads and issue-based campaigns, like those championing border security, have proven effective in galvanizing turnout. Delaware’s leaders would do well to take note instead of banking on feel-good promises.

The path to victory in Delaware and beyond lies in fiscal discipline, strong enforcement, and a commitment to American citizens. Meyer’s approach, with its emphasis on spending over substance, is a relic of a bygone era. Voters have spoken, and they’re not asking for more services; they’re demanding accountability, security, and a government that puts them first.

Governor Matt Meyer’s appearance on The Hill wasn’t a masterclass in leadership; it was a stark reminder of how out of touch some elected officials have become. His push for more services, despite crushing federal cuts and a border crisis, ignores the economic and security concerns driving voters to the polls. Delawareans, like Americans nationwide, want leaders who respect the rule of law, protect taxpayer dollars, and prioritize citizens over political posturing.

The 2024 election sent a clear message: empty promises and bloated budgets won’t cut it. By embracing strict immigration enforcement, fiscal restraint, and voter priorities, Delaware can chart a course that resonates with its people. Meyer’s vision may sound compassionate, but it’s a gamble that risks Delaware’s future and America’s trust. It’s time for leaders to stop dreaming and start delivering.