With only nine days left until the US Presidential Election 2024, immigration remains a heated topic in the campaign race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Both candidates have outlined starkly different immigration policies, raising concerns among immigrant communities and advocacy groups, especially within the Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani diasporas. The prospect of a Trump victory has left many immigrants fearing potential changes to their status, while others hope that Harris’s stance on reform will bring stability and protection.
In recent campaign rallies, Trump has promised sweeping changes, including a large-scale domestic deportation operation targeting undocumented immigrants. One of his most controversial promises is to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented parents—a policy that has sparked widespread concern.
If elected, Trump vows to tighten refugee programs, effectively recalibrating US immigration policy to focus on “educated” and “peaceful” applicants, according to Vasudev Patel, general secretary of the Federation of Indian-Americans in Georgia.
Trump’s vision contrasts sharply with Harris’s approach. As Vice President, Harris has openly recognized that the US immigration system is broken, calling for legislative measures to address the problem. Her supporters argue that while she advocates border security, she also supports pathways to citizenship and favors reforms that keep families intact rather than enforcing mass deportations.
Mohammad Iqbal, a Bangladeshi-born green card holder living in Atlanta, shared his concerns about the potential fallout if Trump were to win. “This is a very sensitive issue,” Iqbal stated. “Trump’s policy is creating a lot of panic among various migrant communities, and that is why they are supporting Vice President Harris.” He echoed the sentiments of many immigrants, who fear the implications of Trump’s aggressive immigration stance.
Immigration: Divided Views on Mass Deportations
A recent Pew Research survey highlights a significant divide between supporters of the two candidates on immigration policy. According to the findings, a large majority of Trump supporters—about 88 percent—favor mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, a key component of Trump’s proposed crackdown. In contrast, 72 percent of Harris supporters oppose mass deportations, favoring policies that support work permits and residency pathways for those with family ties in the US.
The survey also uncovered split opinions on refugees. Nearly half of Trump supporters (49 percent) support admitting more civilian refugees escaping violence, while a larger majority of Harris supporters (85 percent) expressed a preference for welcoming refugees fleeing war zones and persecution.
Community Concerns and Legal Implications of Ending Birthright Citizenship
Trump’s proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship has stirred particular concern among immigrant communities from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Various pro-immigration groups argue that such a move is legally questionable, as the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution explicitly grants citizenship to all persons born on US soil. Advocacy groups have openly criticized Trump’s stance, warning that any attempt to roll back this constitutional right could face significant legal challenges.
Beyond the legality, ending birthright citizenship would have profound effects on the lives of millions of immigrant families, according to the advocates. Many argue that birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of America’s identity as a “nation of immigrants.” Latanya, a college student from Michigan, expressed her frustration with Trump’s stance: “Immigration is one of the most important issues in this election, and Trump’s policies scare me. I think Harris is a much better choice in this regard.”
A Nation at a Crossroads: Final Polls Show a Dead Heat
As Election Day nears, polls show a tight race between Trump and Harris. Both CNN and The New York Times/Siena College polls show the two candidates tied at 47 and 48 percent, respectively, leaving a small undecided margin that could sway the outcome. A slight advantage exists for Harris in the FiveThirtyEight poll tracker, with her holding a modest 1.7 percentage-point lead.
Beyond immigration, the economy has surfaced as another pivotal issue in this year’s election. According to a joint survey by the Financial Times and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, 44 percent of respondents trust Trump’s handling of the economy, while 43 percent back Harris in this area. This close split underscores how the economy and immigration are weighing heavily on the minds of American voters, who will ultimately decide the future of US immigration policy and other crucial issues.
The Road to 270: Seven Key Swing States in Focus
To win the presidency, candidates must secure at least 270 of the 538 available electoral votes. Both candidates are focusing intensely on seven crucial swing states: Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Nevada. In these states, the immigration debate is expected to be especially impactful, as each state hosts a mix of immigrant communities with diverse needs and concerns. Candidates’ stances on immigration will likely influence the choices of undecided voters, who remain key to this election.
Also Read:Yasmin Daswani: Inspiring a New Generation in Women’s Cricket and Law