While Congress determines immigration law, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing it. Recent data from the American Community Survey (ACS) highlights the significant impact presidents have on the number of immigrants settling in the U.S. The Census Bureau defines immigrants, or “foreign-born” individuals, as anyone who was not a U.S. citizen at birth, including naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, long-term temporary visitors, and undocumented immigrants.
The ACS data, which tracks both legal and illegal immigration, shows a noticeable drop in immigration during the Trump administration, despite a strong pre-COVID economy. However, immigration surged to record levels under President Biden, largely due to the reversal of Trump-era policies.
The immigrant unemployment rate, which reflects economic conditions, suggests that immigration tends to fluctuate with the economy. Under Trump, the slowdown in immigration occurred despite a decrease in immigrant unemployment, likely due to a reduction in illegal immigration and a decrease in refugee resettlements.
The post-COVID spike in immigration appears to be linked to Biden’s policy changes, which created the perception that enforcement would ease. Actions like ending the Migrant Protection Protocols for asylum seekers, scaling back Title 42, and terminating the Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Central American countries likely encouraged illegal immigration. Additionally, the Biden administration ramped up refugee resettlement, reversing the Trump administration’s cutbacks.
The president holds significant power over immigration policy, and their decisions can significantly affect how many immigrants enter and settle in the country, even if the laws themselves remain unchanged.
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