As the 2024 elections unfold, immigration remains a pivotal issue, especially with the recent election of former President Trump, who has pledged to implement stringent immigration policies reminiscent of his previous administration. In his first 100 days, Trump plans to close the U.S.-Mexico border and deport hundreds of migrants, a move that has raised concerns among advocates for humane immigration reform. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been appointed to lead the Department of Homeland Security, signaling a potential shift towards more hardline policies [9b394731].
Recent surveys show that immigration is a top concern for 60% of Americans, particularly among Republicans and independents. This concern has been heightened by actions from Republican-led states like Texas and Florida, which have transported undocumented immigrants to Democratic areas as a political strategy. In early 2024, Texas deployed the National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border, further intensifying the political theater surrounding immigration [8288b128].
Trump's administration is expected to continue its crackdown on immigration, with proposals echoing the controversial 'Operation Wetback' from 1954. Currently, immigrants make up 13.9% of the U.S. population, approximately 46.2 million people, and research suggests that more immigration could add about $7 trillion to the U.S. economy from 2021 to 2026. Immigrants account for 20% of business owners, earning $95.6 billion in 2021, and essential industries like agriculture, construction, healthcare, and technology rely heavily on immigrant labor [b132f087].
In contrast, advocates like Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, emphasize the need for humane immigration policies and reform. The refugee admissions cap was drastically reduced to 15,000 under Trump's previous term, despite the refugee resettlement program historically being a bipartisan effort that contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, with an estimated $63 billion impact [9b394731].
The historical context of immigration enforcement in the U.S. can be traced back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which marked America's first major immigration crackdown. Chinese immigrants were crucial in building the transcontinental railroad, with about 20,000 employed by the Central Pacific Railroad between 1865 and 1869. They faced discrimination, poor working conditions, and earned less than their white counterparts. The completion of the railroad in 1869 significantly reduced travel time across the U.S., yet the Panic of 1873 led to an economic downturn and scapegoating of Chinese immigrants, particularly in Truckee, California, where estimates suggest up to 1,200 Chinese laborers died during construction [e007f07e].
President Biden has attempted to balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations, issuing an executive order in June 2024 that further restricts asylum claims. However, the ongoing struggle to reform immigration policies has left many in limbo, with over 1 million pending affirmative asylum applications as of October 31, 2023 [8288b128].
The rising migration due to climate change is expected to displace 16 million people by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for real solutions to national crises rather than scapegoating immigrants. Local integration of refugees in cities like Washington, D.C., has shown economic benefits, with immigrants contributing over a billion dollars in taxes and significant spending power [9b394731].
Historically, the Immigration Act of 1924 established a quota system that favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe while excluding those from Asia. This law significantly impacted the U.S. labor force, particularly in labor-intensive sectors like agriculture. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1982 led to a significant increase in border patrol agents, from 3,000 in the 1990s to 20,000 currently. Alarmingly, over the past 20 years, around 7,000 migrants have died attempting to cross the border [8288b128].
In an opinion piece by Mostafizur Rahman, it is argued that the real crisis surrounding immigration is rooted in fear and false narratives rather than the immigrants themselves. Research indicates that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes and contribute positively to the economy. As the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, bipartisan solutions are elusive, with Republicans framing immigration as a national security threat and 75% of voters believing undocumented immigrants take jobs Americans do not want [b132f087][8288b128].