Immigration is once again at the forefront of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, with both candidates adopting stricter stances compared to previous campaigns. This article explores their positions, policies, and the implications for undocumented immigrants, work visas, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Donald Trump’s Stance: Mass Deportations, Termination of Parole Programs, and More
Donald Trump, as in his previous campaigns, has made immigration a central issue. However, his rhetoric has become even more aggressive, including false claims about migrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in specific areas like Springfield, Ohio. Trump has vowed to carry out mass deportations of millions of undocumented people, using an 18th-century law to restructure federal agencies and increase enforcement of immigration laws.
Key Promises:
- Mass Deportations: Trump aims to expel the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S.
- End of Birthright Citizenship: Trump plans to issue an executive order eliminating birthright citizenship, which would likely face significant legal challenges under the 14th Amendment.
- Stricter Visa Oversight: Trump has promised to revoke visas of students participating in pro-Palestinian protests, stating that “foreign students must behave” or leave the country.
- End of Parole Programs: Programs that have allowed over a million people, including Ukrainians, Afghans, and Latin Americans, to enter the U.S. under humanitarian parole would be terminated.
- Green Cards for Graduates: Trump supports granting automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges.
- Ideological Screening: A proposal to screen immigrants based on ideological beliefs and block those with sympathies toward Hamas.
Trump also plans to reinstate his previous immigration policies, such as the construction of the border wall, the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries, and the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
Kamala Harris’s Stance: Bipartisan Border Security and Legal Pathways
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has shifted towards stricter immigration measures in response to record-high migrant encounters in 2023. The Biden administration implemented new asylum restrictions and enhanced border security, resulting in a significant drop in migrant crossings. Harris supports a bipartisan border security bill, which she promises to sign into law if elected. However, the bill has faced opposition from both Republicans and immigrant advocacy groups.
Key Proposals:
- Bipartisan Border Security Bill: The legislation proposes:
- Higher standards for asylum applications.
- $20 billion for hiring asylum officers, legal counsel for minors, and drug screening technology.
- $8 billion for expanding detention centers.
- 250,000 additional green cards over the next five years.
- Support for DACA: Harris has expressed her commitment to protecting Dreamers, with the fate of the DACA program likely to be determined by the Supreme Court.
- Work Visas and Court Backlogs: The next administration will also need to address the backlog in immigration courts and the renewal of TPS status for many immigrants.
What’s at Stake in the 2024 Election?
The outcome of the 2024 election will have a profound impact on the future of immigration policy in the U.S. If Trump wins, mass deportations, the termination of parole programs, and other restrictive policies are expected to shape his administration. On the other hand, if Harris secures the presidency, there will likely be a focus on legal pathways to citizenship, border security reforms, and the protection of Dreamers.
With immigration being a divisive topic, both candidates are betting that their approach will resonate with voters concerned about border control, national security, and humanitarian values. The next administration will not only influence immigration policy but also shape the lives of millions of immigrants seeking a better future in the United States.
