Trump’s immigration policies have been a hotly debated topic since he first took office in 2017. While he promised to “Make America Great Again,” his policies have done just the opposite, particularly when it comes to immigration. Immigrants have been the backbone of America’s greatness for centuries, powering its economy, enriching its culture, and advancing its global leadership. However, under the guise of “protecting” American interests, Trump’s exclusionary and racist policies are tearing apart the very foundation that makes America great.
The United States has always been a land of opportunity, attracting people from all over the world in search of a better life. For centuries, immigrants have been the lifeblood of America, bringing with them diverse skills, talents, and perspectives that have contributed to the country’s progress and prosperity. From the Irish and Italian immigrants who built the nation’s railways in the 19th century to the Chinese migrant workers who laid the foundations for the modern-day tech industry, America has thrived on the hard work and ingenuity of its immigrant population.
Unfortunately, Trump’s immigration policies have turned a blind eye to this history and have instead chosen to vilify immigrants, particularly those from Latin America and Muslim-majority countries. The infamous travel ban, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries, was a clear demonstration of this discriminatory approach. Not only did it violate the values of religious freedom and equality enshrined in the US Constitution, but it also sent a message of hostility towards entire communities based on their religion or country of origin.
But perhaps the most damaging aspect of Trump’s immigration policy is its impact on the economy. Despite the anti-immigrant rhetoric that paints immigrants as job-stealers and drains on the economy, the reality is quite the opposite. Immigrants have always been a source of innovation and entrepreneurship, starting businesses that create jobs and fuel economic growth. In fact, according to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, 55% of the US’s $1 billion startup companies had at least one immigrant founder.
Moreover, immigrants contribute significantly to the country’s tax revenue, with undocumented immigrants alone paying an estimated $11.74 billion in state and local taxes. By implementing policies that aim to restrict immigration, Trump is not only hurting the economy but also jeopardizing the future of American innovation and entrepreneurship.
But the damage goes beyond just the economy. Trump’s immigration policies are also tearing apart families, separating parents from their children and leaving a devastating mark on the mental and emotional well-being of immigrants and their loved ones. The inhumane practice of family separation at the US-Mexico border, which saw thousands of children ripped away from their parents, caused international outrage, and rightly so. It is a stain on America’s moral standing and a violation of basic human rights.
Moreover, Trump’s restrictions on refugee admissions, which have hit Muslims and people from war-torn countries the hardest, have sent a message to the world that America has turned its back on those seeking safety and a better life. This goes against the very values that America claims to stand for – freedom, opportunity, and compassion.
In short, Trump’s immigration policies are destroying America’s greatness on multiple fronts. From its economy to its moral standing, his exclusionary and racist approach is not making America great but rather isolating it from the rest of the world and damaging its reputation as a land of opportunity and equality.
Thankfully, there is hope on the horizon. With the new Biden administration, there is a chance to reverse the damage caused by Trump’s immigration policies and restore America’s greatness. President Biden has already taken steps to reverse the travel ban and end the family separation policy. He has also proposed a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, recognizing their contributions and potential to strengthen America.
It is time to reclaim America’s greatness by embracing its immigrant population and creating a fair and just immigration system. The country’s strength has always been in its diversity and welcoming spirit, and it is essential that we continue to uphold these values. As President Biden put it, “Immigration is essential to who we are as a nation, our character, and our values.” Let us work towards a brighter and more inclusive future for America – one that truly makes it great again.
