By : Vasatika Saraswat

Abstract

This article critically examines the immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration, highlighting their significant effects on global diplomacy and domestic socio-political dynamics. It explores the diverse international responses to these policies, which restrict legal immigration and undermine humanitarian protection, thereby reshaping diplomatic relations. The discussion also addresses the evolving notion of citizenship rights and the ethical challenges posed by these policies. By contrasting the aspirations of immigrant communities with the disillusionment of many native-born Americans regarding the American Dream, the article reveals deep socio-political tensions within contemporary America. Ultimately, it advocates for a more inclusive approach to immigration policy that acknowledges its vital role in shaping the nation’s economic and cultural landscape.

Trump 2.0 and The Immigration Conundrum

The second tenure of Donald Trump as President of the United States began on January 20, 2025, following a divisive election that stands to fundamentally alter the landscape of American democracy and the political economy for years to come. Marked by radical policy shifts—including the withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement, along with ambitious changes to the nation’s tax framework, this presidential term signifies the onset of a volatile era in governance[JS1] . Trump, who has long entrenched border security and unauthorized immigration as cornerstones of his political platform, even during his first presidential term, has now laid out plans to severely restrict legal immigration pathways, encompassing the elimination of humanitarian protections and the mass deportation of millions. Such an aggressive stance not only deepens the existing divide on immigration policy but also raises serious ethical and constitutional concerns about the implications of these actions on the fabric of American society. This presidential period promises to provoke significant debate and dissent as the nation grapples with the consequences of these formidable policy decisions. The article delves into the changing landscape of citizenship rights and the ethical dilemmas that arise from current immigration policies. By contrasting the hopes of immigrant communities with the disenchantment felt by a portion of the native-born population regarding the American Dream, this article uncovers profound socio-political divisions in modern America, ultimately calling for a more inclusive immigration policy that recognizes its essential contribution to the country’s economic vitality and cultural diversity.

Dreams,  Deportations and Social Conflict: The Illusionary American Promise

The concept of the American Dream, coined by American historian and writer James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book The Epic of America posits that the United States serves as a land of opportunity, wherein individuals from various social classes can aspire to achieve upward mobility, freedom, and equality. While many Americans might think this dream is on its last legs, one strata of the American populace has always viewed this dream with glistening appreciation and hope: the immigrants[JS3] .  Chris Arnade provides valuable insights regarding the differing perceptions of future opportunities among various groups. He observes that many working-class Americans perceive their children’s future as less promising than their own experiences. Conversely, working-class immigrants view their children’s future with optimism, believing it to be brighter and filled with more tremendous potential. And to some extent, this has held. Research indicates that, regardless of their parents’ country of origin, children of immigrants are more likely than their U.S.-born counterparts to surpass their parents’ income as adults. This trend has persisted both historically and in the present day, despite significant shifts in U.S. immigration policy throughout the last century, transitioning from nearly open borders for European immigrants in 1900 to substantial restrictions in more recent decades. Furthermore, recent reports also highlight that immigrants play a crucial role in the economic success and future sustainability of communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The significance of charting these trajectories is rooted in the socio-political conflicts deeply embedded in American society, particularly as they reemerge within the current political context, which is closely interconnected with the American economy.

As of 2024, many Americans were grappling with frustration stemming from the high cost of living, escalating healthcare expenses, and considerable economic disparities, which has fueled a resurgence of political support for President Trump. Historically, discontent regarding the economy has often been misdirected, and this time, immigrants have been unfairly portrayed [JS4] as the individuals who have deprived Americans of opportunities, a narrative frequently echoed by President Trump during both his presidential terms. President Trump’s disdain for the immigrant community has been evident throughout his three campaigns and four years in office. He has consistently employed inaccurate, derogatory, and often racist language when discussing immigrants from various parts of the world. In a recent example, he accused Haitian immigrants in Ohio of stealing and eating people’s pets, further illustrating his troubling rhetoric. In a new twist on these misleading statements, he has repeatedly labelled immigrants as the cause of Americans’ economic hardships, asserting that illegal immigrants are “taking your jobs.” However, government data indicate that immigrant labour boosts economic growth and creates opportunities for native-born workers. Despite this evidence, the election outcomes have painted a different picture, highlighting the persistent paranoia many Americans hold toward immigrants. Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has announced a flurry of immigration-related executive orders, paving the way for a widespread effort to crack down on undocumented migrants in the U.S. The repercussions of such policies extend beyond individual suffering; they threaten the very constitution of the U.S. workforce and economy, as can be deduced from the contribution of immigrants to the U.S. economy’s growth.

Setting the Global Stage for Immigration Policy Insecurity and Citizenship Rights

The socio-political tensions within the United States have begun to influence foreign policy considerations, particularly evident in the Trump administration’s detention and deportation practices. These have raised concerns among governments worldwide, inviting the criticisms of human rights activists and political actors equally. Numerous immigrant rights advocates, including heavyweights like the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigrant Justice Center, have taken a bold stand against the Trump administration by filing a  lawsuit in response to the president’s aggressive proclamation aimed at effectively dismantling the asylum process at the border. Similarly, in a show of defiance, lawmakers in Democratic-led states are proposing stringent measures designed to create significant legal barriers for federal immigration officials, providing crucial support for undocumented immigrants in their fight against deportation. This resistance in states like California and New York starkly contrasts with the approaches in many Republican-led states that are doubling down on measures supporting Trump’s harsh crackdown on illegal immigration, underscoring a fierce national divide on this contentious issue. These policies are not simply causing national dissent; they are causing bilateral political turmoil.

The Trump administration fulfilled its promises by orchestrating the deportation of 4,745 undocumented Latin American immigrants, forcibly returning them to their home countries. Some of Trump’s executive orders aimed to enhance the ability of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest unlawful migrants. One order reversed a guideline that protected “sensitive” areas like schools and hospitals from immigration raids. At the same time, another expanded a program allowing state and local police to assist in immigration enforcement. This mass expulsion triggered a severe diplomatic crisis between the United States and Colombia. Alarmed by the sudden influx of deportees, the Colombian government initially refused to accept two planes filled with individuals sent back from the U.S. It was only after the Trump administration threatened tariff wars that Colombia reluctantly agreed to allow the aircraft to land. Similarly, the Indian government is grappling with a significant political dilemma concerning India-US relations, especially after the Trump administration deported 104 Indian citizens back to India. Many of those who were deported were shackled, raising serious concerns about the treatment of Indian immigrants in the United States.

This highlights a significant foreign policy trend as numerous governments, including Guatemala and Pacific nations, prepare for an onslaught of deportations, leading to precarious geopolitical situations among nations. The United States’ economic influence often underpins these actions, especially in Colombia, demonstrating the enduring commitment of the Trump administration to implement stringent deportation policies. The policy considerations at play usher in a complex new era characterized by heightened citizenship insecurity. As governments grapple with the intricate and often turbulent dynamics of geopolitical citizenship conflicts, they are simultaneously gearing up for assertive foreign policy strategies. This delicate balance between national interests and international relations creates a precarious landscape where individuals may find their citizenship rights increasingly precarious and uncertain.

Conclusion: What Comes Ahead

In these tumultuous times, we must reflect on the profound and challenging journey of the United States, a nation intricately woven together by the resilience and contributions of countless immigrants. America’s foundation is built upon the unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and immense sacrifices of those who have bravely ventured to seek a better life, each leaving an indelible and unique imprint on our shared society and vibrant culture. However, we currently witness an alarming shift in the narrative. Former President Trump’s executive orders, accompanied by incendiary claims of protecting the nation from an “invasion” led by “criminal illegal aliens,” signal a disturbing escalation of an existing system rooted in exclusion and racialised deterrence. These policies not only marginalize specific communities but also perpetuate an environment of fear and vulnerability. The repercussions of such measures can be seen in the dangers that arise from harsh ICE detention policies and aggressive immigration raids, which create precarious situations for individuals and families seeking safety and stability in a land that once promised hope and opportunity for all. As the political discourse surrounding migration intensifies, the standards for what is permissible increasingly shift to the right, resulting in policies that impose stricter limitations on individual rights and threaten to inflict further harm. The present migration climate casts a shadow over countless lives and livelihoods, raising critical questions about the future of many. It is essential to recognise that the enactment of these far-right policies wields significant influence over the lives of millions of immigrants residing in America. This pivotal era will shape the landscape of citizenship rights worldwide and serve as a profound test of globalisation in its most challenging form.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasatika Saraswat is a second-year BA.LLB (Hons.) student at Jindal Global Law School, India. She is a part of the International Relations and Foreign Policy Cluster, and writes about human rights and security, environmental law and international relations.

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