PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) — Allegations have surfaced involving gang members without criminal records being wrongfully sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Meanwhile, international students have been detained by masked federal agents for merely expressing their opinions through opinion columns or participating in campus demonstrations. Numerous American citizens, visa holders, and visitors have faced detention at airports for minor infractions, with some even facing deportation. Since his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has initiated an unprecedented campaign of immigration enforcement, pushing the boundaries of executive power and clashing with federal judges attempting to restrain his actions.
Unlike during his first term, Trump's current efforts have not ignited widespread condemnation or protests that previously forced him to backtrack on unpopular positions. Instead, immigration has emerged as one of Trump's strongest issues in public polling. This shift reflects his solid grip on the Republican base and a broader change in public sentiment, partially driven by anger towards the immigration policies of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden.
The White House has capitalized on this shift, mocking critics and encouraging Democrats to engage in a debate that Trump's team views as advantageous. During an interview with Time magazine, Trump noted, “I think this is another men/women’s sports thing for the Democrats,” referring to the cultural wars surrounding transgender rights, which his campaign associates with rising support. Pollster Frank Luntz, a long-time Republican ally, stated, “America’s changed. This is the one area where Donald Trump still has significant and widespread public support.”
Luntz further explained that voters disillusioned by the historically high influx of migrants under Biden are “prepared to accept a more extreme approach.” He emphasized that while the public may not fully embrace Trump's policies, there is considerable support for them as he approaches his 100th day in office.
A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that immigration is a strong point for Trump compared to other issues, such as the economy and foreign policy. Nearly half of U.S. adults, 46%, approve of Trump's handling of immigration, significantly higher than his overall job approval rating of 39%. This poll was conducted from April 17-21, coinciding with Sen. Chris Van Hollen's visit to El Salvador, where he demanded the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported by the U.S. government.
In the 2020 election, few voters prioritized immigration as the most critical issue, but four years later, Republicans have successfully cast Biden's immigration policies as an invasion, elevating immigration above health care, abortion, and crime, second only to the economy. Under Biden, migrant apprehensions surged, exceeding 2 million annually, prompting Republican governors in border states to bus migrants to various cities, including New York, straining local resources.
Voter sentiment has shifted, with many now more receptive to stringent immigration policies than in the past. In a recent survey, 44% of voters expressed support for deporting most immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, a notable increase from 29% in 2020. Trump's immigration policies remain a relative strength, with 84% of Republicans approving of his approach, compared to 68% for his trade negotiations.
In places like Passaic County, New Jersey, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, Trump has gained traction. He became the first Republican to win the county in over 30 years, capturing significant support in heavily Latino areas such as Passaic and Paterson. Voter Sunny Cumur, a truck driver and immigrant from Turkey, expressed his concerns about border security under Biden, stating, “What Biden did, they opened all the borders, and a lot of people come here for political asylum.” He voiced his frustration with newcomers undercutting wages and called for stricter measures against those he deemed criminals.
Conversely, some supporters express concerns that Trump's approach may be too extreme. Republican Manuel Terrero, a real estate agent from Clifton and an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, appreciates Trump's efforts to control the border but opposes deporting law-abiding immigrants.
Representative Nellie Pou, a Democrat from New Jersey, acknowledges her constituents' desire for border security while advocating for immigrants. She emphasizes the importance of legal pathways for immigration, stating, “Our country was made of immigrants.”
Trump's political journey began in 2015 with controversial statements about Mexican immigrants, pledging to build a wall and implementing a travel ban targeting citizens from certain Muslim-majority countries. His administration's policies often sparked chaos and protests, leading to legal challenges and public outcry. However, with a decline in border crossings, Trump has pivoted to focus on expelling individuals already residing in the U.S., utilizing executive power in unprecedented ways.
The April AP-NORC poll indicates that about half of Americans believe Trump has “gone too far” regarding deportations, while public opinion is split on mass deportations overall. Approximately 40% support deporting all undocumented immigrants, while a similar percentage opposes such measures. Notably, one-third of U.S. adults feel Trump's immigration actions are “about right,” with 20% believing he hasn't gone far enough.
The case of Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador, has garnered national attention. While Trump officials assert he has gang ties, his attorneys deny these claims. The situation has prompted increased scrutiny from Democrats and has led to confrontations with Republican lawmakers. The White House has encouraged Democrats to focus on this issue, viewing it as a strategic advantage.
As the political landscape evolves, both parties will likely grapple with the complexities of immigration policy, and the public's perspective remains critical in shaping future discourse and legislative action.
