With the 2024 presidential campaign on the horizon, former President Donald Trump articulated a series of commitments on border issues, particularly at the California Republican Party’s 2023 fall convention, that are worth keeping an eye on.
Following Trump’s pledge to execute “the largest deportation operation in the history of our country,” we can reasonably anticipate that he will work to bring his strict US immigration laws and border policies to fruition if he is elected in 2024.
In envisioning a potential second Trump term, there are several key elements to consider in regard to the former president’s stringent measures to curb illegal immigration and bolster national security. Let’s break it down together.
Mass Deportation
Trump’s overarching goal is to fortify the nation’s borders, putting an end to what he perceives as “wide open borders” susceptible to illegal crossings. Part of this strategy is to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, which, he proposes, will address illegal immigrant gang violence and “remove all known suspected gang members … the drug dealers, the cartel members from the United States.”
Additionally, Trump plans to establish detention camps for undocumented immigrants, where they would be held until the deportation process is completed. This approach envisions law enforcement implementing nationwide arrests of undocumented individuals.
Enhanced Border Security
Aside from implementing mass deportations to get rid of current illegal immigrants, Trump plans to carry out substantial reinforcement of border security through a strategic deployment of military forces. He wants to “move thousands of troops currently stationed overseas to our own southern border,” prioritizing the security of the US border before defending the borders of other countries.
The potential consequences of such a policy shift include heightened surveillance, an increased presence of military personnel, and a concerted effort to fortify border infrastructure to ensure stricter defense against unauthorized border activities — which brings us to our third prediction from a potential second Trump term: rebuilding an exceptionally secure border.
Border Wall Rebuild
Trump promises to “rapidly rebuild the most secure border in the United States,” including expanding the US-Mexico border walls for miles, which will intensify border security even further. This expansion could involve both extending the length of the existing barriers and possibly implementing new sections in strategic areas.
Furthermore, Trump posted on social media last week “I do not think we should do a Border Deal, at all, unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions and Millions of people.” This post underscores Trump’s adamant determination to crack down on what he perceives as a large-scale and urgent illegal immigration problem, proving his uncompromising stance on border security.
What Would a Second Trump Term Mean For Immigrants?
If Trump is elected as president in 2024 for his second term, he will likely build additional physical barriers to prevent immigrants from crossing the border. He might collaborate with Mexico to prevent caravans of people from entering through the border. He may even demand additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or work to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
We cannot guarantee exactly what will occur with immigrants at the border – or those already in the country and renewing visas or seeking adjustment of status – during a potential second Trump term. We can, however, confidently say that Reeves Immigration Law Group is here to support you with the complex processes involved in US immigration in any way that we can.
Our experienced immigration lawyers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, China, and the Philippines can assist you with anything from asylum and refuge applications to family-based immigration and deportation defense and appeals. Call us at (800) 795-8009 or fill out the contact form on our website to connect with our team of expert immigration attorneys today.
