Migrants from various regions, spanning Latin America, Africa, and Asia, arrive in the US with hopes of reaching the U.S. to escape economic struggles and, in some cases, threats to their lives.
Discouraging unlawful border crossings
However, the Biden administration’s program, aimed at discouraging unlawful border crossings, allows individuals in Mexico to schedule a time for processing at a legal entry point. Due to high demand, however, migrants are facing months-long wait times.
Vice President Harris has committed to maintaining Biden administration policies that heavily restrict asylum for those attempting to enter the U.S. without an appointment through CBP One. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has pledged to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border, which would include ending the CBP One process and other programs enabling lawful entry for migrants.
What will the Trump victory mean for migrants?
Following the imposition of Biden’s extensive asylum restrictions, illegal border crossings, which had surged to unprecedented levels late last year, fell to a four-year low. Although these unauthorized crossings have remained at this lower level for several months, U.S. officials worry that the upcoming presidential election might disrupt this trend.
Some officials speculate that a Trump victory could prompt a surge in illegal crossings by migrants hoping to enter the country before he assumes office in January. Trump has committed to terminating the CBP One app and reinstating his strict immigration policies, which include militarizing the border and conducting what he describes as the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.
Revision of U.S. immigration policy
Trump has proposed a sweeping revision of U.S. immigration policy if re-elected, one that would build upon the stringent measures from his first term. He intends to carry out mass deportations of millions, potentially involving extensive workplace raids and the use of the U.S. military, alongside a push for more border wall construction.
Trump’s plan would represent a substantial shift in immigration policy, affecting millions of undocumented immigrants and reshaping the national stance on immigration. Since the start of his political career, Trump has adopted a hardline view on immigration, which some see as influenced by an idealized vision of national identity. He has, on separate occasions, described migrants as a “threat” to the country and made controversial comments about undocumented immigrants.
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