The upcoming election will likely have major impacts on the current and future U.S. immigrant community. Regardless of the outcome, the polarizing views of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump show there will be significant changes on the line.
Immigrants facing these uncertainties are advised to reach out to a leading immigration lawyer at their earliest convenience to ensure a proactive response to the November 5th outcome. Working with an immigration attorney will increase your chances of protection and help smooth the transition with months of uncertainty ahead.
Harris
On August 6, 2024, current Vice President, Kamala Harris became the official Democratic party candidate after President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy.
Harris is seemingly against unauthorized border crossings and has expressed the goal of enacting a bill to give further presidential authority in closing the border when crossings become too high. The compromise was proposed by the Biden administration and has faced legal challenges. Under this type of policy, Harris seeks to secure the border while creating new legal pathways. This would increase funding for new border agents, increase criminal penalties for those who repeatedly cross the border illegally, and seek to push asylum seekers to make their claims at the border.
The bill also expands legal immigration and could provide up to 50,000 new visas annually.
Notably, Harris has been quiet in her immigration policies as compared to other sectors such as tax, climate, and healthcare. Many also feel her immigration views are less liberal than her previous presidential campaign.
Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is running for his second term after losing the 2020 election to President Biden. It seems Trump plans to continue to take an aggressive approach to immigration on the heels of his previous term during which he made attempts to build a wall at the border, sought the end of Temporary Protection Status (TPS), and initiated several refugee bans, among other immigration measures.
During this campaign, Trump has been vocal about several immigration policies he would enact should he be reelected. One of these policies would be to end birthright citizenship for children of migrants who entered the country illegally. Though the Constitution considers individuals born on U.S. soil to automatically be considered American citizens (whether their parents are citizens or not), Trump seems determined to challenge and take action against this long-standing interpretation.
Trump is also planning mass deportations, potentially the largest domestic deportation plan in the country’s history. One group he expressed his concerns for is anti-Isreal and pro-Palestinian student protestors, seeking to scare young protestors into behaving. He also mentioned Springfield, Ohio, and Aurora, Colorado as potential targets for such deportations.
The former President has been vocally opposed to many of Biden’s actions, including the CBP One app, CHNV Program, and more. His reversal of such policies can impact over a million immigrants.
Under a Trump presidency, we may also see an attempt to revive his travel bans, concerningly impacting Muslims. He had previously issued this ban in 2017 which was later overturned by the Biden administration. In reenacting this, he has promised ideological screening of those seeking to enter the country.
Connect with an Immigration Lawyer Today
Regardless of political views, the election will undoubtedly bring new immigration policies. Whether you are currently residing in the United States or seeking to arrive in the near future, it is of the utmost importance to consult an immigration lawyer ahead of the next term. Their legal expertise will provide a safe and legal pathway that will be harder to overturn.
Reeves Immigration Law Group prioritizes the immigrant community and will do everything in its power to protect these populations. Our team of immigration lawyers work relentlessly to keep families together and provide optimal results.
Contact us today to connect with an immigration attorney.
