Responses to immigration issues in the US
History of immigration in America
The United States has a long history of immigration. Legal immigration on a green card
(an immigrant visa) allows someone the opportunity to stay and work for a period subject to renewal. It can also provide a route to permanent citizenship at a later date.
In 2023, a record 1.2 million people legally became US citizens. In 2024, there were more than 45 million people who are immigrants to the USA, 13.6% of the total population. (Source: Migration Policy Institute)
How have US governments tried to address illegal immigration?
For decades, successive US governments have struggled with the issue of illegal immigration without much success. In recent years, the Trump and Biden administrations have had to wrestle with large-scale illegal immigration and both have been unable to find a comprehensive solution which satisfies everyone including those who favour a tougher or a more flexible approach to dealing with illegal immigrants.
People entering the US without proper authorisation are often referred to as undocumented migrants. Most have entered the US from Mexico or other poorer central or south American countries, although undocumented migrants may also come from other parts of the world such as Asia and Africa.
Undocumented migrants head to the US for many different reasons. Some leave their home country because of conflict or persecution, others as result of poverty, low wages or unemployment. As the wealthiest country in the world with the largest economy, migrants know if they can reach the US, they have a better chance of improving their lives.
Many undocumented migrants come into the US across the US-Mexico border. Others come into the USA via other routes. Many undocumented migrants also enter the US on green cards then overstay their time instead of returning home. Altogether, it is thought that there are over 11 million undocumented migrants in the USA. (Source: Migration Policy Institute)
Impact of Covid-19 on US immigration
In 2021, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the US experienced a surge in the number of people looking to cross into the US illegally. For example, in December 2023 alone, 302,000 people were detained at the border by US Border Security, over 10,000 people per day.
Illegal immigration is one of several important issues in the 2024 US presidential election. In mid-2023, an opinion poll found 47% of Americans said illegal immigration was a major problem although two-thirds (68%), overall, see immigration as a good thing.
Arguments for and against immigration
There is an ongoing debate as to the value of immigration, including illegal immigration, to the US.
The arguments for immigration include:
- immigrants increase wealth in the US through their hard work, often doing the low-paid, labouring jobs which Americans don鈥檛 want. This drives the US economy forward
- immigrants stimulate the economy through demand for housing, services, etc, and by keep the US economy competitive with a steady stream of labour
- immigrants bring cultural diversity and add to the US reputation as an inclusive country
The arguments against immigration include:
- immigrants take American jobs and lower wages
- immigrants put pressure on welfare systems
- immigrants don鈥檛 assimilate
Note: Many of the arguments against immigration have been strongly rejected in various academic studies.
President Trump and illegal immigration
Going into the 2024 US presidential election, Republican Donald Trump鈥檚 messaging on immigration is much the same as in his 2016-2020 presidency. For Trump, the US authorities need to take a tougher stance against illegal immigration and at varies times he has shown support for large-scale deportations, using the US military on the border, increasing Border patrols, expanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centres and finishing the border wall.
Biden and illegal immigration
President Biden sought to take a more balanced approach to illegal immigration. During his presidency hundreds of Executive Orders were signed, which sought to cut back, but not end deportations. This has been a controversial issue, especially when young people are involved and allowed more immigrants to come into the US to work. He has also tried to work with Republicans in Congress, to achieve the widest support for any policy initiatives.
Biden鈥檚 2024 Bipartisan (jointly developed by Democrats and Republicans) National Security Agreement was an attempt to further tighten border security, including $20 billion more for border security agencies and detention facilities, as well as establishing a new temporary Border Emergency Authority, which could block border crossing if the border was overwhelmed.
The proposed legislation would also fast-track decisions on asylum cases, increase lawful pathways for people to come into the USA and allow illegal immigrants already in the US to secure work.
Despite working closely with Republican lawmakers, it would appear the legislation is not going to succeed. Many Republicans see immigration as an issue on which Biden is struggling politically and therefore, in a US presidential election year, they are not going to support a deal on illegal immigration which may help the chances of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris being elected President. (Source: 大象传媒 News).