Summary of Immigration Proposals by Trump:
Elimination of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals):
Established in 2012, DACA protects certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and allows them to work legally
During his first term, Trump attempted to end DACA but was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2020. Now, as President-elect again, there is uncertainty. While Trump has hinted at being open to some form of relief for “Dreamers,” his administration’s past actions and ongoing litigation suggest DACA’s continuation is at risk.
- Impact: Without DACA, over half a million recipients could lose their protected status and work authorization. Many have U.S.-born children, and losing DACA would place families at risk of deportation, increase stress, disrupt continuity of care, and negatively affect workforce stability in sectors where they are employed.
Changes to Public Charge Policy:
Historically, the government can deny green cards to noncitizens deemed likely to depend on government support (“public charges”). Under Trump’s first term, the rules were broadened to include non-cash benefits like Medicaid in these determinations.
- Impact: If reinstated, these rules would again discourage millions from seeking necessary healthcare or enrolling in programs like Medicaid or CHIP, worsening health disparities and leading to lower coverage rates among immigrant communities.
Mass Detentions and Deportations:
The incoming administration has signaled plans for large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants, including long-term residents, and potentially entire families.
- Impact: Immigrants fill critical roles in various sectors (agriculture, construction, health care). Their removal would strain labor markets, push up costs of essential goods, and ultimately slow economic growth. It would also require substantial taxpayer funding to enforce widespread removals.
Ending Birthright Citizenship:
The U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to nearly all children born on U.S. soil. Trump’s proposal to end birthright citizenship for children of certain immigrants would directly contradict constitutional law.
- Impact: Children who lack citizenship status may have reduced access to health coverage and care, and it could exacerbate labor shortages. Children of immigrants generally perform well economically, contribute to the tax base, and are often overrepresented in the health workforce.
Reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” Policy:
Previously, asylum seekers were forced to wait in Mexico, often in unsafe conditions, while their claims were processed. Reinstating this policy would again place vulnerable people at risk, increase stress and health problems among asylum seekers, and raise logistical and moral challenges.
- Impact: A heavier military presence and stricter border enforcement could instill fear in immigrant families and potentially disrupt local economies. Legal challenges may follow if military funds are diverted to border enforcement.
Restrictions on Humanitarian Protections (Refugees, Asylum, and TPS):
Trump reduced refugee admissions to historically low levels during his first term and is expected to do so again. He also plans to eliminate the CBP One app (which was designed to schedule entry appointments for asylum seekers) and roll back Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations.
- Impact: Refugees and TPS holders are often working, contributing residents. Eliminating these protections would put them at risk of deportation, increasing family separations and disrupting communities and workplaces. TPS is also critical for those fleeing countries affected by disasters or conflicts. Ending these protections can lead to workforce instability and place additional burdens on the health and social support systems in both the U.S. and the migrants’ countries of origin.