Immigration has always been a defining force in human history, shaping economies, enriching cultures, and fueling innovation worldwide. It is the backbone of progress, yet the narrative around immigrants in America has shifted dangerously since the 1920s when the United States established quotas for immigrants which highly favored northern Europeans (almost none of whom were nonwhite). Instead of immigrants being seen as people seeking a better life, a fresh start, or simply new opportunities, they have been dehumanized and labeled “illegal aliens” (Trump, “Trump directs construction of Guantanamo Bay detention center for 30,000 migrants”) This shift in perception has had serious consequences, especially currently in the United States, under Trump’s administration. Donald Trump’s immigration policy remains one of the presidency’s most divisive and controversial aspects. Marked by strict enforcement measures, aggressive border security initiatives, and significant changes to the legal immigration system, his approach seeks to limit both legal and undocumented immigration. While his supporters praise these efforts as “necessary” for national security and economic protection, the reality is that his policies are deeply rooted in xenophobia rather than facts or economic necessity. One of the most devastating consequences of Trump’s immigration policies is the separation of families. Thousands of immigrants, including children, were torn from their loved ones and forced back into countries they no longer recognized as home. Many of these individuals had built lives in the U.S., contributing to their communities, paying taxes, and creating a better future for themselves and their children. Yet, under Trump’s policies, they are treated as criminals, their humanity stripped away in the name of political posturing. Trump justifies his harsh stance by claiming that immigrants are”stealing jobs” from Americans or that they bring drugs over the border. This rhetoric, however, ignores the undeniable fact that immigrants are essential to the American economy and that a majority of opioids are brought over by American citizens. They make up approximately 57% of the workforce in vital industries such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, and technology. Without immigrant labor, the U.S. economy would face severe disruptions, potentially leading to a market crash of catastrophic proportions. The idea that immigrants are taking jobs from Americans is not only misleading but also dismisses the reality that many industries depend on immigrant workers to function effectively.
Furthermore, Trump’s policies create an environment of fear and hostility, discouraging immigrants from seeking legal avenues to citizenship or even basic protections. The constant demonization of immigrants fuels racial profiling, hate crimes, and societal division, making the U.S. a less welcoming place for people who have historically been the backbone of its growth and prosperity. The stats following Trump’s election in 2016: In nine U.S. metropolitan areas, hate crimes rose more than 20% in 2016. Anti-Semitic crimes in New York City increased by 189% from January to March 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. In the first two weeks after the 2016 election, 34 anti-Latinx hate crimes were reported in major U.S. cities, a 176% increase over the daily average for that year. The truth is, that America was built by immigrants, and it continues to thrive because of them. Instead of vilifying those who seek a better life, we should embrace policies that recognize their contributions and provide pathways to legal residency and citizenship. Trump’s approach is not about protecting Americans, it is about creating division, playing to fears, and using immigrants as scapegoats for economic issues that had
little to do with them. The conversation around immigration must change. We need to move away from fear-driven policies and toward comprehensive reform that acknowledges immigrants as people, not political pawns. They are workers, dreamers, entrepreneurs, and, most importantly, human beings who deserve dignity and respect. America’s strength has always come from its diversity, and it is time we start acting like it.
