Divided Nation: Americans React to President Trump’s Immigration Policies

The 2024 election saw immigration consistently ranked as a top concern for voters across the nation. President Donald Trump, capitalizing on this sentiment, has swiftly implemented his promised agenda since taking office seven weeks ago. His actions, including executive orders targeting birthright citizenship, the announcement of a $5 million "gold card" policy, renewed mass deportation efforts, and directives empowering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target migrant families, have ignited a national debate.

Immigration, a historically divisive issue, is once again at the forefront of American consciousness. To gauge public sentiment, we reached out to citizens nationwide through our Opinion Forum, seeking their perspectives on President Trump’s policies, their local impact, and their views on the controversial issue of birthright citizenship. The responses paint a picture of a deeply divided nation, grappling with complex questions of national identity, economic impact, and humanitarian concerns.

Cody Hance from Cheney, Washington, embodies a nuanced perspective. "I agree with some of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and some I don’t," he states. He acknowledges the strain of the current influx on the system and advocates for reform, specifically streamlining the path to citizenship. However, Hance emphasizes the need for targeted deportations, focusing on "childless individuals who have come over recently and especially ones who have committed crimes." He also raises concerns about potential racial profiling by ICE, highlighting the need for careful oversight.

Russell Johnson of Toms River, New Jersey, offers a contrasting view, expressing unequivocal support for the President’s actions. "Legal immigration is broadly supported, but illegal immigration needs to be stopped," he asserts. Johnson commends the administration for keeping its promises and prioritizing the removal of criminals and those deemed to have not earned the right to be in the country legally. He echoes the sentiment of prioritizing qualified individuals seeking to immigrate and contribute to society. Johnson also champions the elimination of birthright citizenship, arguing that it was not the Founding Fathers’ intention and that two illegal immigrants cannot produce a legal citizen simply by virtue of giving birth on American soil.

Yitta Halberstam, residing in New York City, strongly condemns President Trump’s immigration policies as "cruel, callous and inhumane." She envisions a more compassionate approach, suggesting the creation of new cities on the vast western lands to house immigrants and attract industrial and technological development. Halberstam views the deportations as a betrayal of American values and a stark contrast to the ideals represented by the Statue of Liberty. She firmly advocates for the preservation of birthright citizenship, upholding its constitutional basis and historical significance.

Andre Lewis from Springfield, Massachusetts, aligns with those who believe birthright citizenship should be abolished. He refers to the practice as an abuse, using the derogatory term "anchor babies" to describe children born to undocumented immigrants. Lewis believes that ending birthright citizenship would discourage illegal immigration and prevent individuals from using their children as leverage to remain in the country.

Dorothy Foster of Clarkesville, Georgia, vehemently opposes President Trump’s immigration policies, denouncing them as "harsh and inhumane." She predicts detrimental effects on the economy and the country’s international standing. Foster strongly defends birthright citizenship as a constitutional right and criticizes the separation of families and the detention of individuals in for-profit facilities. She raises concerns about the growing fear and anxiety within her community due to the collaboration between local police and ICE, citing instances of individuals being reported for minor offenses.

Kenneth B. Armstrong, residing in Oklahoma City, voices strong support for the Trump administration’s efforts to restore "common sense" to the immigration system. He applauds the President for fulfilling his campaign promises, particularly on immigration. Armstrong highlights Oklahoma’s endorsement of the new initiatives and its close collaboration with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in removing "undesirables." He unequivocally supports the elimination of birthright citizenship, labeling it an "archaic practice."

Glenn Fernandes from Orange, Ohio, expresses disagreement with President Trump’s immigration policies and actions, advocating for a pathway to citizenship for immigrants. While acknowledging the President’s commitment to deportation, Fernandes points out that the rate is actually slower than in Joe Biden’s final year in office. He emphasizes the need to differentiate between criminals and immigrants who are working and contributing to society. Fernandes defends birthright citizenship, citing the 14th Amendment, and criticizes the President for overstepping his authority and posing a threat to the country.

Terry Leyba of Denton, Texas, emphatically supports President Trump’s immigration policy, attributing his success to the Democratic Party’s perceived open-border approach. Leyba believes illegal immigration disproportionately impacts minority communities and dismisses the fearmongering tactics of the Democrats. He supports the elimination of birthright citizenship, arguing that children born to non-citizen parents should not automatically be granted citizenship.

Chris Capoccia from Columbus, Ohio, rejects President Trump’s immigration policies and his stance on birthright citizenship. He proposes revitalizing Ellis Island on the southern border to facilitate legal immigration. Capoccia dismisses the deportations as mere "theater" and accuses the President of racist rhetoric. He cites an instance of a legal visa holder being unjustly detained as evidence of the system’s flaws.

These diverse opinions highlight the complexity of the immigration debate and the deep divisions within American society. While some believe that President Trump’s policies are necessary to secure the border, protect national interests, and restore order to a broken system, others view them as cruel, inhumane, and a betrayal of American values. The future of immigration policy in the United States remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate will continue to rage on, shaping the nation’s identity and its role in the world.