Staff Reports
Immigration has once again catapulted to the forefront of the 2024 election cycle, standing shoulder to shoulder with economic concerns and healthcare among the mix of priorities for voters. It appears that American citizens are not just shaking their heads at the shiny distraction of abortion; they’re ever more aware of the chaos reigniting at the southern border. If it’s not evident by the sheer numbers of illegal encounters that have transpired, it’s crystal clear that voters — particularly the hardworking families who are feeling the pinch — find themselves deeply affected by the out-of-control nature of U.S. immigration policies.
The former President Donald Trump, much to the chagrin of his opponents, has embraced this issue hammer and tongs. He has steadfastly championed ending illegal immigration and crafting a definitive plan to restore order, which includes a renewed push for the infamous border wall. Trump has made it a mission to highlight not just the influx of immigrants, but the consequential crime rates and job displacement punctuated by this influx. In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris seems to take an entirely defensive stance, focusing on drafting legislation that ostensibly strengthens border security while steadfastly refusing to acknowledge the large-scale impacts of illegal immigration on the nation’s fabric.
Trump goes after immigrants, he honestly believes immigrants and the border are the two greatest issues to Americans.
Harris goes after inflation, women rights, raising up the middle class, child poverty, home ownership, uniting the country.
AND YOU STILL CAN'T MAKE UP YOUR MIND? pic.twitter.com/aoUnp1r0x6— WILL🌊🌊 (@GillWillie94704) November 1, 2024
A recent poll serves as a firm reminder that voters are worried. An October poll from the New York Times and Siena College placed immigration and abortion neck-and-neck as the second most pressing issues facing voters, with only the economy maintaining a stronger hold on their concern. This surge in priority aptly reflects how far-reaching the implications of immigration policies are for everyday Americans who rightfully feel that their communities are facing unprecedented challenges brought about by current administration policies that elevate the welfare of migrants over the welfare of American citizens.
One of the most telling indicators of this growing concern is the fact that nearly three-fourths of male voters believe Trump is better positioned to handle immigration than Harris. It seems Americans, particularly white voters and those with higher education, aren’t buying the Biden-Harris narrative that downplays the ramifications of unchecked immigration. The increasing presence of conservative PAC advertisements focusing on border security is a clear signal to Democrats — folks care about their safety and their jobs, and they want action, not platitudes. If Republican strategies leverage these sentiments effectively, the political landscape could shift dramatically in favor of the GOP.
Trump, ready to go on offense, recently broke away from his usual campaign stops to visit New Mexico, a state that has largely eluded the Republican Party in recent years. Bypassing naysayers who claimed he couldn’t win there, Trump pointedly emphasized the stark reality of crime resulting from illegal entry into the U.S. His direct appeal cut through the political fog and grabbed the attention of Americans, who are weary of hearing about theoretical legislation while facing the brutality of actual consequences stemming from these policies. The sentiments shared by Trump were echoed in cities far removed from the U.S-Mexico border, where democratic mayors have been pleading for federal assistance due to the continual inflow of illegal immigrants — talk about biting the hand that feeds!
On the other hand, Harris is attempting to pivot from the chaos her administration has overseen. Urging voters to believe that the border crisis is a problem of the past shows nothing but denial of reality. The Biden administration, with Harris at the helm of border “security,” has overseen historically high rates of border crossings, yet Harris touts a narrative that paints her as the defender of order. Instead of focusing on tangible solutions or showcasing a comprehensive immigration reform plan, Harris seems stuck critiquing past Republican efforts instead of addressing the looming crisis that, sooner rather than later, may eclipse any ability she has to portray herself as a competent leader.
In essence, this immigration debate has become a game of smoke and mirrors. The tighter the noose of concerns grows around voter sentiment, the more likely it becomes that the outcome of the 2024 election hinges on a fundamental issue — who can effectively manage immigration? For Trump, the answer is quite clear. For Harris, it feels increasingly like a strategy to distract from severe mismanagement and an empty promise of blue skies that voters are now too savvy to swallow.
