Introduction of the Issue

The issue of immigration remains a pivotal topic in American politics. Candidates in the 2024 presidential election are likely to address the complexities of immigration reform, border security, and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. The contrasting viewpoints of the leading candidates highlight the ongoing national debate over the values and policies that should guide the U.S. immigration system.

Definition and Context

Immigration refers to the process through which individuals move from one country to another with the intention of settling there, either temporarily or permanently. In the U.S., immigration has been a source of cultural diversity and economic growth but also a focal point of political contention. The central questions revolve around how to manage border security, pathways to citizenship, and the rights of immigrants, particularly undocumented individuals. Advocates for reform often emphasize the humanitarian aspects and economic contributions of immigrants, while opponents focus on legal enforcement and national security concerns.

Explanation of the Issue

As the 2024 presidential election draws near, immigration stands out as a critical issue that candidates must navigate. The election features key figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, whose stances on how to manage immigration and mitigate undocumented migration differ. This debate touches upon individual rights, economic implications, security concerns, and the moral responsibilities of the U.S. government, making it a vital issue for voters across the political spectrum.

Historical Background

The U.S. immigration system has undergone significant changes over the decades. Key legislation, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, shifted the focus from national origins to family reunification and employment-based immigration. However, immigration policy has frequently been challenged and reformed in response to economic shifts, security concerns, and changing public sentiment.

The post-9/11 era brought a heightened focus on border security, culminating in the implementation of stricter immigration controls and policies aimed at undocumented immigrants. The Obama administration introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, providing temporary relief from deportation for certain undocumented youth. Following this, the Trump administration pursued different immigration enforcement and sought to build a wall along the southern border, significantly impacting the discourse around immigration.

Scope of the Issue

Immigration policy affects millions of individuals and families, influencing everything from workforce dynamics to social services. The Biden Harris administration has sought to reverse many of Trump's policies and executive orders, emphasizing a different approach to immigration, including restoring DACA protections and increasing pathways for legal immigration. However, challenges persist, such as record numbers of migrants at the southern border and ongoing debates about how to balance security with compassion.

The 2024 election will likely spotlight disparities in how immigration policy impacts various communities, particularly marginalized groups. The discussion will also focus on the economic implications of immigration, including labor shortages in key industries and the contributions of immigrant communities to the U.S. economy.

Ideological Viewpoints and Candidates' Stances

Kamala Harris 

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that emphasizes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly those who are DACA recipients. Throughout her political career, she has supported measures to protect vulnerable immigrant populations, including co-sponsoring the Dream Act and the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which aims to provide legal status to millions of undocumented individuals. Harris has also called for investments in border security that prioritize humane treatment, promoting the need for reforms that focus on family reunification and addressing the root causes of migration. Additionally, she has been vocal about the importance of reinstating protections for asylum seekers and refugees. 

Tim Walz 

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Governor of Minnesota, shares a similar vision for immigration reform as Kamala Harris. He has taken significant steps to support immigrant communities in Minnesota, including signing the Minnesota Dream Act into law, which allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges. Walz has also promoted policies that protect individuals from deportation, such as supporting local law enforcement policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. He emphasizes the economic contributions of immigrants and advocates for reforms that enhance protections for refugees and asylum seekers, including increasing funding for legal aid services for immigrants navigating the immigration process. 

Donald Trump 

Former President Donald Trump maintains a hardline stance on immigration, focusing on strict border security and enforcement measures. He advocates for the construction of a border wall, which was a central promise of his 2016 campaign, and implemented the "Remain in Mexico" policy to limit asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border. His administration also proposed giving young undocumented immigrants pathways to citizenship in exchange for an investment into the border wall. Trump’s administration also sought to cut legal immigration levels and introduced the Public Charge Rule, which aimed to restrict green cards for individuals who might rely on public assistance. His approach emphasizes strict enforcement of existing immigration laws and reducing the number of immigrants entering the U.S., reflecting a broader Republican platform that favors stringent immigration controls. His current platform advocated for a mass deportation of the undocumented immigrants crossing the border. 

JD Vance

JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate and U.S. Senator from Ohio, aligns closely with Donald Trump’s stance on undocumented immigration. Vance has supported legislation aimed at restricting undocumented immigration, including backing the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act and promoting measures to enhance border security. He has emphasized prioritizing American workers and has been vocal in opposing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, advocating instead for policies that limit overall immigration. Vance's positions reflect a commitment to Republican ideology, which prioritizes national security and legal immigration over more inclusive policies, aiming to strengthen border enforcement and reduce the perceived impacts of immigration on American labor markets.

Case Law

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952: This foundational law governs immigration and citizenship in the U.S., establishing various categories for entry and the framework for deportation.

DACA (2012): Created through executive action, DACA allows certain undocumented individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children to receive temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. The program has faced numerous legal challenges, particularly during the Trump administration.

United States v. Texas (2016): This case resulted in a deadlock in the Supreme Court, effectively upholding a lower court’s decision to block the implementation of expanded DACA and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), which would have provided similar protections for parents of U.S. citizens.

Areas of Debate

• Border Security vs. Humanitarian Concerns: The balance between securing the border and addressing the humanitarian needs of migrants remains contentious. While some argue for increased enforcement and barriers, others advocate for more supportive measures that recognize the plight of asylum seekers and refugees.

• Economic Impact of Immigration: The debate over how immigration affects the economy is ongoing, with arguments both for the necessity of immigrant labor in various sectors and against perceived competition for jobs and resources.

• Pathways to Citizenship: The issue of providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants is divisive. Supporters argue that it would integrate millions into society and the economy, while opponents fear it may encourage further illegal immigration.

Conclusion

Immigration is poised to be a defining issue in the 2024 presidential election, reflecting broader societal values and the direction of U.S. policy. As candidates outline their visions for immigration reform, the choices voters make will have lasting implications for the nation’s demographic landscape, economic vitality, and humanitarian commitments.

Bibliography

• Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), 2012.

• United States v. Texas, 579 U.S. 547 (2016).

• “JD Vance and Tim Walz on Key Immigration Policy Areas .” National Immigration Forum, 1 Oct. 2024, immigrationforum.org/article/jd-vance-and-tim-walz-on-key-immigration-policy-areas/. 

• Woodward, Alex. “Immigration, Abortion, Taxes and Democracy: What Is Donald Trump Proposing in 2024?” The Independent, 28 Oct. 2024, www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-policy-border-immigration-2024-election-b2635237.html.

• Hogan, Megan. “Trump vs. Harris on immigration: Future policy proposals.” Peterson Institute for International Economics, 9 Sept. 2024, www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economics/2024/trump-vs-harris-immigration-future-policy-proposals. Accessed 28 Oct. 2024.