Emily Schaefer, a lifelong Democrat from Beaverton, Oregon, is a strong advocate for strict immigration policies. Despite being a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, Schaefer voted for him in the 2020 election. She supports mass deportations and opposes pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, especially those who have lived in the U.S. for years.
Schaefer, 52, explains that her decision was driven by frustration with what she sees as a prioritization of immigrants over American citizens. She points to declining education quality in her son’s public school, where a growing number of non-English-speaking students are enrolled, and the strain on local resources as undocumented immigrants gain access to health care and other services.
“It’s absurd what Biden and Harris have allowed,” Schaefer says, expressing dismay over the Biden administration’s handling of immigration.
The surge in immigration during President Biden’s term, particularly along the southern border, has intensified debates over U.S. immigration policies. A growing number of Americans—across party lines—have shifted towards more restrictive views on immigration, especially as illegal border crossings reached record levels under Biden’s presidency.
A recent Gallup poll showed that 55% of Americans support reducing immigration, a significant increase from 28% in 2020. This trend reflects a broader shift, with both Republicans and Democrats voicing concerns over the country’s immigration system. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll in October, 57% of voters, including 30% of Democrats and 58% of independents, support deporting immigrants living illegally in the U.S.
This growing sentiment echoes the rhetoric of Trump’s 2016 campaign, where he described migrants as an “invasion” and called for mass deportations. Trump’s harsh stance on immigration resonated with voters like Schaefer, who feel the system is being overwhelmed.
Rising Support for Trump’s Immigration Policies
The rising support for stricter immigration policies is not limited to conservative voters. Many independents and even some Democrats are expressing frustration with the Biden administration’s inability to address the growing crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Biden administration has faced sharp criticism for failing to contain illegal immigration, despite recent efforts to impose stricter border measures.
For example, Karen Bobis, a 25-year-old independent from the Philippines, voted for Trump in 2020 because of his tough stance on illegal immigration. Having waited years to immigrate legally with her family, Bobis believes undocumented migrants should follow the same legal process. “They should do everything by the books,” she says.
Sonya Duffy, a 53-year-old Democrat from New York City, shares similar concerns. While she voted for Vice President Kamala Harris due to her stance on reproductive rights, Duffy became increasingly frustrated with the lack of action on the border crisis. She says the problem became more apparent when migrants, including many Venezuelans, arrived in Democratic cities like New York, straining resources.
Border Crisis and Bipartisan Frustration
The political divide over immigration is widening, but many voters agree on the need for change. While Trump’s rhetoric of mass deportation continues to gain traction, a majority of Americans also support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. A separate Times/Siena poll in October found that 57% of voters backed a path to citizenship, even as many also supported deportation.
Historically, anti-immigrant sentiment has surged during times of economic instability, and inflation was a key concern during the 2024 election cycle. According to Sarah Coleman, an immigration historian at Texas State University, Trump’s campaign effectively linked immigration to economic struggles, further fueling public support for stricter policies.
The Biden Administration’s Response
President Biden’s approach to immigration has been criticized for its perceived lack of urgency. While the administration has sought to implement more humane policies, including temporary legal status for some migrants, the surge in migration continued in 2023. By December of that year, illegal crossings surged to over 300,000 in a single month, breaking previous records.
Biden’s policies, such as providing temporary legal status to nationals from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, have not been enough to slow the flow of migrants. Although unlawful entries decreased briefly after Biden imposed new asylum restrictions in June, the numbers quickly climbed again.
Meanwhile, Trump has used the growing crisis to energize his political base and fuel his third presidential run. His message, which blames the Biden administration for the border chaos, continues to resonate with many voters who see immigration as a major issue.
Conclusion
As immigration remains a central issue in American politics, the divide between those advocating for tougher policies and those seeking more compassionate solutions is becoming more pronounced. With growing public support for stricter immigration enforcement, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address the crisis at the border, and how the issue will play out in the 2024 elections.
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