Comparing Immigration Policies

Immigration is set to be one of the most defining issues in the 2024 presidential election, as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris present two starkly different visions for how to address it. While Trump has long championed hardline policies focused on border security and deportation, Harris emphasizes a more humanitarian approach, albeit within the constraints of enforcement. In this blog post, we will break down the key differences between their immigration platforms, from border security and deportations to refugee resettlements and legal pathways.

1. Border Security: Apprehensions and Enforcement

Both Trump and Harris agree on the importance of border security, but their approaches vary widely. Trump’s presidency was marked by a strong emphasis on physical barriers and increased deportations. One of his most notable initiatives was the attempt to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and significantly increase the role of the military in immigration enforcement. In his current campaign, Trump has reiterated his plan to "seal the border" and initiate mass deportations, while associating the influx of migrants with increased crime. His administration's record reflects this focus, with U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions peaking at 859,501 in 2019, during his presidency​(U.S. Border Patrol Tota…).

In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration has taken a somewhat different approach, with Harris playing a key role in diplomatic efforts to address migration from Central America. Harris has criticized Trump's "big talk" on border security, arguing that his approach is overly simplistic and ineffective. In her speeches, Harris has emphasized tackling the root causes of migration by addressing economic and political instability in migrants' home countries. Despite these efforts, however, the Biden-Harris administration has also seen a significant number of apprehensions, and even passed an executive order restricting asylum for migrants who cross illegally, causing apprehensions to drop sharply in mid-2023​(U.S. Border Patrol Tota…).

2. Deportations and the Question of Mass Expulsions

Trump’s immigration platform for 2024 includes one of his most aggressive stances: a plan to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. He has repeatedly vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants and use detention centers for processing. His previous term saw the separation of thousands of migrant families at the border, leading to widespread condemnation and legal battles. In his campaign messaging, Trump continues to link undocumented immigration with crime, using inflammatory rhetoric about migrants "poisoning the blood of our country."

Harris, on the other hand, has positioned herself as a defender of a more balanced approach. While she has supported enforcement efforts under the Biden administration, including the continuation of some Trump-era policies like Title 42 expulsions, she is unlikely to advocate for mass deportations. Harris has also publicly supported providing pathways to citizenship for immigrants, especially Dreamers (DACA recipients) who were brought to the U.S. as children. This represents a clear distinction from Trump’s efforts to end DACA during his presidency, which sparked widespread protests and legal challenges.

3. Refugee Resettlements: A Stark Contrast

One of the most noticeable differences between the two candidates is their stance on refugee admissions. During Trump’s presidency, refugee resettlements reached historically low levels, with an annual cap of 15,000 in 2021, the lowest in modern U.S. history​(U.S. Border Patrol Tota…). Trump’s administration was also known for its restrictive policies on asylum seekers and refugees, justified as necessary to "protect American jobs and security."

The Biden-Harris administration has drastically shifted this policy. After initially revising the refugee cap to 62,500, it was increased to 125,000 for subsequent years. Under Harris, refugee admissions in 2024 are on track to reach their highest level since the Obama administration, with 68,291 refugees admitted by June​(U.S. Border Patrol Tota…). Harris has indicated that she would likely maintain or increase this ceiling if elected, while Trump has promised to once again reduce the cap in the name of national security.

4. DACA and Dreamers

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has long been a battleground in U.S. immigration policy. Trump made multiple attempts to end DACA during his first term, though courts blocked his efforts. He continues to express opposition to DACA, framing it as a drain on American resources, and has promised to take another shot at terminating the program if reelected.

In contrast, Harris is a staunch advocate of protecting DACA recipients, commonly known as "Dreamers." She has called for permanent protections for Dreamers and supports a pathway to citizenship. This divergence in their views on DACA represents a key ideological difference between the two candidates on the issue of legal immigration, with Harris pushing for integration and inclusion, while Trump focuses on restriction and exclusion.

5. Legal Immigration and Reform: What the Future Holds

Trump’s immigration platform is heavily focused on reducing both illegal and legal immigration. He has suggested restricting certain types of visas and eliminating birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. His vision for immigration reform is centered on a merit-based system that prioritizes high-skilled workers, which he argues would protect American labor and values.

Harris supports a more expansive view of legal immigration. Under the Biden-Harris administration, policies have been introduced to expand pathways for legal immigration, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs for migrants from countries like Venezuela, Ukraine, and Haiti. Harris has also backed broader immigration reform efforts that include both enforcement and humanitarian elements, though her campaign has been criticized for not pushing back harder against some of the restrictive measures from the Biden administration​.

Conclusion: Two Visions for America's Future

The immigration debate heading into the 2024 election will continue to highlight the contrasting worldviews of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Where Trump sees mass deportations, border walls, and restricted legal immigration, Harris envisions a future that balances enforcement with compassion and legal pathways for migrants and refugees. Each candidate offers a radically different approach, with profound implications for the U.S. economy, national security, and its standing as a destination for those seeking refuge and opportunity.

Ultimately, voters will need to decide which path best aligns with their vision for the country’s future, as immigration remains one of the most critical issues shaping the nation today.