During his first presidential term, Donald Trump enacted policies that obstructed asylum, implemented a “Muslim Ban,” undermined Temporary Protected Status (TPS), terminated DACA, and enforced the separation of families at the border. Now, his upcoming immigration agenda aims to be even more ambitious.

If re-elected this November, Trump’s proposed plans include mass deportations, the establishment of detention camps, freezes on various legal immigration categories, reinstatement of the public charge rule, and penalties for states offering in-state tuition to undocumented students.

In a media briefing on June 14, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel experts discussed Trump’s outlined strategy as detailed in Project 25, a report from the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. This comprehensive blueprint outlines over 175 proposed changes to immigration policy, with a section authored by Ken Cuccinelli, former immigration director under President Trump.

What a way for us to celebrate his birthday, right? Anyway, on with the article.

Speakers

  • Cecilia Esterline, Immigration Research Analyst, Niskanen Center
  • David J. Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at Cato Institute
  • Zachary Mueller, Senior Research Director for America’s Voice Education Fund

Project 25

Project 25 represents a departure from “traditional conservative values like supporting business growth, decentralizing power away from the federal government and decreasing bureaucratic hurdles, often doing the opposite,” explained Cecilia Esterline. “President Trump implemented nearly 64% of the prior Mandate for Leadership’s recommendations within the first year of his administration.”

Utilizing executive authority, these policies seek to introduce processing delays for visas like H2A and H2B, critical for seasonal industries including agriculture and hospitality. Project 25 argues for halting updates to eligible countries, effectively stymying these vital programs.

Regarding education policy, Esterline highlighted proposals to withhold Department of Education funding from states that provide in-state tuition to “illegal aliens,” including DACA recipients. Such measures could impact millions of students across 26 states and the District of Columbia.

Implementation in Trump’s Second Term?

David J. Bier underscored that many policies from Trump’s first term would be resurrected in a second term. These include expanding the “Muslim Ban” to encompass additional countries, reducing the refugee program cap to historically low levels, and intensifying border enforcement.

“Trump left office in 2020 with the highest number of border patrol arrests for any December, going back to 1999 … and removed more people mainly by increasing the immigrants held in detention”

Trump’s earlier policies saw record-high border patrol arrests and expanded detention capacities. He aims to escalate efforts in detention and deportation, potentially bringing in the National Guard and leveraging federal funds to compel compliance from sanctuary cities.

Implications

Zachary Mueller warned of profound societal implications. “Trump’s immigration agenda presents three interrelated threats in the form of mass deportation, political violence and a threat to American democracy … where the law becomes a challenge to overcome rather than an impediment to rein in the vision,” Mueller stated. 

Mueller also explains how Trump won’t just stop at deporting new arrivals, but also go after people that have been settled here for years. They are going after “80% of the undocumented population who have called the U.S. home since 2010 — a second-grade teacher with DACA, a home health care aide with TPS, a farm worker keeping food in the grocery store.”

It still does not stop there, with plans to go after children too. An estimate “has found that over 4.4 million U.S. citizen children could be affected if this plan goes into full effect.”

The rhetoric around immigration as an “invasion” fuels anti-democratic sentiments and baseless fears of non-citizen voting, potentially undermining democratic processes.

Impact on Communities and Legal Landscape

The potential ramifications of Trump’s immigration policies extend beyond political rhetoric. Advocacy groups anticipate significant legal challenges, citing concerns over constitutional violations and humanitarian consequences.

Under Trump’s administration, we witnessed a systematic dismantling of humanitarian protections and legal pathways. These policies not only undermine the principles of fairness and compassion but also pose logistical challenges in their implementation.

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s immigration proposals remain a contentious issue, drawing stark contrasts with opposing viewpoints on humanitarianism, economic impact, and national security. The debate over immigration policy continues to shape public discourse and political strategy, highlighting its significance in the upcoming presidential campaign.