Trump politics are mainly against legal than irregular immigration

TLDR

In "Trump Will Cut Legal Entries More Than Illegal Entries," published by David J. Bier on the Cato Institute, the author argues that Donald Trump's immigration policies in a potential second term would disproportionately target legal immigration rather than illegal immigration. Bier contends that Trump's track record and proposed policies focus on reducing pathways for legal migration, including family reunification, work visas, and humanitarian programs. This approach, driven by ideological and political motives, could exacerbate unauthorized migration while undermining economic and humanitarian goals.

 
Legal Immigration is the Primary Target:

Bier explains that while Trump's rhetoric emphasizes curbing illegal immigration, his policies reveal a greater focus on reducing legal migration. Legal immigration is more accessible to executive control, allowing for reductions without legislative approval. This strategy aligns with the preferences of nativist constituencies and appeals to nationalist narratives, portraying legal immigration as a threat to American cultural and economic stability.
 
Reductions During Trump's First Term:
Trump's first administration saw significant cuts to legal immigration:

• Green card issuances decreased by 51% between 2017 and 2021.
• Refugee admissions dropped by 92%, with monthly arrivals falling from 12,000 to fewer than 600.
• Temporary work visas and family reunification pathways faced severe restrictions, leading to widespread delays and denials.

In contrast, illegal immigration surged during Trump's presidency despite aggressive measures like Title 42 expulsions and partial border wall construction.
 
 
Biden's Reversal Sets a High Baseline:

Under President Biden, legal immigration levels rebounded significantly:

• Green card admissions increased by 22% compared to Obama's final year.
• Refugee programs reopened, processing over 50,000 admissions monthly by 2024.
• Temporary visa programs expanded to address labor shortages, emphasizing the U.S. economy's reliance on immigrant workers.

This rebound gives Trump a higher baseline for reducing legal entries if he is reelected, amplifying the potential impact of his restrictive policies.
 
 
Proposed Policies Under Trump's Second Term:

Bier highlights specific proposals Trump could implement to curtail legal migration:

• Terminating humanitarian parole programs benefits nationals from countries like Ukraine, Venezuela, and Haiti.
• Suspension of visa issuances across categories, creating delays and bottlenecks in the immigration system.
• Reinstating the public charge rule, barring low-income immigrants from obtaining visas or permanent residency.
• Stricter wage requirements for work visas effectively exclude many skilled and semi-skilled workers.
• Mandatory health insurance policies for immigrants disproportionately affect low-income applicants.

 
These measures would significantly reduce access to legal immigration pathways, reflecting Trump's broader ideological stance against migration.
 
 
Unintended Consequences for Illegal Immigration:
Ironically, Bier argues, reducing legal pathways could increase unauthorized migration. When individuals and families are denied legal options, they often turn to irregular channels. This dynamic undermines Trump's stated goal of reducing illegal immigration, creating further strain on border enforcement and humanitarian systems.
 
 
Broader Implications:
The author critiques Trump's approach for its potential harm to:

• Economic competitiveness: Restricting work visas could exacerbate labor shortages in critical industries.
• Humanitarian values: Reducing refugee admissions and family reunification programs undermines America's historic role as a haven for needy people.
• System integrity: Cutting legal pathways risks overburdening enforcement agencies and fueling unauthorized crossings, creating a less efficient and more chaotic immigration system.

Concluding Reflections

David J. Bier's analysis warns that a second Trump administration would focus on restricting legal immigration, with far-reaching consequences for the U.S. economy, humanitarian commitments, and immigration system integrity. By disproportionately targeting legal pathways, Trump's policies could exacerbate unauthorized migration and fail to address the root causes of immigration. Bier emphasizes the need for balanced, data-driven policies that enhance security while upholding America's values and economic needs.
 
Source:
David J. Bier, "Trump Will Cut Legal Entries More Than Illegal Entries," Cato Institute, 2024.