For over two years, the immigration debate in the United States has focused heavily on one primary issue: the border.
While the complexities of border issues are vast, the public narrative has been reduced to stark images of barbed wire and videos showing families and individuals seeking asylum.
The current election cycle has further amplified these challenges. According to the ACLU, the media plays a crucial role in shaping unfair narratives about the immigration system in three significant ways:
1. Political Ads Use Fear to Influence Public Opinion
In the past year, candidates from all political backgrounds have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on political advertisements that create fear around the border situation. The ACLU evaluated $247 million spent on immigration-related ads, revealing alarming trends:
Over a third of the 745 ads featured Border Patrol agents or military personnel, perpetuating the misconception of a militarized border.
Approximately 20% of the ads referred to migrants using terms like “illegals” or “aliens,” with about 7% employing harsher labels such as “trafficker,” “rapist,” or “murderer.”
About 10% of the ads framed migrants as invaders or described the migrant influx as an invasion.
2. Media Coverage Links Immigration News with Border Images
Mainstream media often connects immigration news to chaotic border scenes, regardless of the actual relevance. A recent report from Media Matters highlights that, when discussing President Biden’s program, Keep Families Together, media outlets chose to show images of the border instead of focusing on American families that would benefit from the policy.
3. Narrow Focus on Border Issues Over Broader Immigration Topics
The media frequently overlooks significant immigration stories in favor of a narrow focus on border issues. A notable instance occurred during the September 10 presidential debate when ABC’s David Muir fact-checked misleading claims about community members in Springfield, Ohio. However, Muir’s immigration question primarily addressed border security, neglecting broader immigration topics.
While border security is an essential aspect of immigration, the media often fails to cover other critical components. Millions of immigrants living in the U.S. contribute positively to society, becoming integral members of their communities. Research from three nonpartisan groups earlier this year indicated that immigration helped prevent a recession in the U.S. last year, yet these positive stories rarely make it to mainstream news.
Despite being inundated with chaotic border imagery and misleading political ads, American voters generally hold nuanced views on immigration. Polling data from the ACLU shows that many Americans support balanced and humane approaches to immigration that address border challenges while also offering pathways to citizenship for long-term residents.
For six months, the ACLU has engaged with political figures on both sides to highlight the public’s desire for real solutions rather than fear-based narratives. They advocate for a narrative shift, emphasizing uplifting stories about immigrants who have positively impacted society—such as workers who died repairing bridges in Baltimore, small businesses started by immigrants, and essential caregivers in nursing homes and hospitals.
The ACLU consistently promotes common-sense reforms to modernize the immigration system while upholding the nation’s legal and moral responsibilities to protect those seeking better lives. This includes enhancing processing at ports of entry, increasing personnel to address immigration backlogs, and establishing pathways to citizenship for Dreamers and long-term residents. Ultimately, the ACLU urges politicians to prioritize courageous leadership based on values rather than fearmongering tactics.
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