Biden vs. Trump: A Comparative Analysis of U.S. Immigration Policies

Biden’s Reforms and Challenges

Reversing Trump’s Policies

President Biden has taken significant steps to undo several of the immigration policies implemented by former President Donald Trump. These steps include the termination of the travel bans affecting several predominantly Muslim countries and the ending of the Remain in Mexico program.

Biden has also been proactive in expanding green-card access for certain undocumented immigrants and raising the refugee cap to 125,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2024. These moves are seen as part of a broader strategy to improve the U.S. immigration system and enhance its humanitarian approach.

Criticism and Countermeasures

Despite his intentions, Biden’s immigration policies have faced substantial criticism. According to an AP-NORC poll, only about 6 in 10 Democrats and fewer than 1 in 10 Republicans approve of his approach. In response to a surge in border crossings, Biden’s administration has resorted to new restrictions, such as a transit ban and the ability to temporarily bar asylum requests when illegal crossings exceed a certain threshold.

Biden’s critics argue that these measures are insufficient, and he has been accused of contributing to open borders and a rise in illegal crossings and crime. However, Biden defended his record during a recent presidential debate, mentioning a 40% decrease in illegal crossings following his executive actions.

Trump’s Policies and Proposals

Emphasis on Restriction and Security

Former President Donald Trump was known for his stringent stance on immigration, both legal and illegal. His policies focused heavily on border security and enforcement. He advocated for the expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall and bolstered border personnel and military presence.

One of Trump’s most controversial policies was the zero-tolerance approach, which led to the separation of thousands of families at the border. This move faced widespread condemnation but highlighted his administration’s commitment to reducing illegal immigration.

New Proposals and DHS Actions

In his campaign, Trump has proposed granting green cards to foreign graduates of U.S. colleges, suggesting this as a method to retain talent within the country. This proposal, however, did not come up in recent debates but reflects his broader approach to immigration reform.

Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Trump’s influence took rigorous actions against illegal immigration. They identified over 400 migrants with ties to an ISIS-affiliated smuggling network and have ramped up removals and returns of migrants who crossed the southwest border without authorization.

Temporary Protected Status and Executive Orders

Extensions for Affected Countries

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for countries such as Somalia, Yemen, and Haiti. These measures aim to protect nationals from these countries from returning to unsafe conditions due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Biden’s Executive Order and Republican Criticism

Republican senators have criticized President Biden’s recent Executive Order that permits undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to stay and work legally in the country. Critics argue this move violates existing laws and exacerbates the border crisis.

In addition to the domestic criticisms, Biden’s administration continues to work on international cooperation. He has committed to investing $4 billion to address the root causes of migration from Central America, which includes working closely with Latin American leaders on aid, border management, and better coordination in emergency responses.