BONUS: The Stakes of Immigration with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Apr 9, 2024
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Immigration expert Aaron Reichlin-Melnick discusses the stark differences in immigration policies under Trump vs. Biden, highlighting the challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. The conversation delves into the impact of border policies, demographic shifts in migrant populations, and the need for improved support services for newcomers. They also analyze diplomatic strategies, bipartisan efforts in immigration reform, and the complexities of U.S. immigration policies.
Trump administration favored European immigrants, implemented deterrent border policies, Biden upheld Title 42 at the border.
Family separations resulted from Trump's deterrence policy, ending Title 42 led to reduced repeat crossings.
Bipartisan border bill addresses resource shortages, delays in legal immigration cause backlogs for green cards.
Deep dives
Trump Administration's Restrictionist Approach to Legal Immigration
The Trump administration pursued a restrictionist approach to legal immigration by aiming to slash immigration to the United States. They sought to reshape the legal immigration system to mirror the early 20th-century immigration model, favoring immigrants from Europe or educated backgrounds. Policies included the Muslim ban, health insurance requirement, and blocking the diversity visa program, leading to a significant reduction in visa issuance throughout Trump's term.
Trump Administration's Border Policy and Family Separation
The Trump administration's border policy focused on deterrence, particularly deterring families from seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border. This led to the infamous family separation policy, where parents were prosecuted for illegal entry, resulting in thousands of families being separated. Despite efforts like zero tolerance and remain in Mexico, border crossing numbers remained high, with deterrent actions often being temporary or causing unintended consequences.
Title 42 and Biden Administration's Border Policy Shifts
The Biden administration faced challenges at the border, maintaining Title 42, a public health policy invoked by Trump. While revoking some Trump-era policies like the asylum cooperative agreements, Title 42 remained a key factor. Despite messaging discouraging border crossings and changes in third-party repatriation agreements, the border situation remained complex with heightened crossings and the ongoing impact of pandemic regulations.
Impact of Ending Title 42
Ending Title 42 has led to changes in border crossings, resulting in fewer repeat crossings due to harsher consequences, such as long-term bans on reentry and criminal prosecutions. More families are crossing the border because parents are less likely to subject their children to multiple harsh crossings. Single adult migrants are fewer due to reduced churning of migrants. Additionally, demographic shifts are noted post-2021, with more migrants coming from South America, especially from countries like Venezuela and Cuba.
Bipartisan Border Bill and Legal Immigration
The bipartisan border bill aimed to address resource limitations by hiring new asylum officers, immigration judges, and agents. It proposed expediting the asylum process while suspending asylum in certain cases. Additionally, the bill acknowledged the necessity of maintaining a system to screen individuals seeking asylum at the border. Concerns over legal immigration stem from historical backlogs and structural limitations, as seen in long waiting times for green cards, particularly affecting nationals like Indian immigrants.
As a bonus for listeners, we’re sharing the first episode of a special series from “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast,” called “WITHpod 2024: The Stakes.” For the first time since 1892, we have an election in which both candidates have presidential records. It’s a unique chance to take a hard look at what both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have actually done as president. Chris Hayes talks to experts about both candidates’ records on specific policy areas. This week, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, joins to unpack immigration policies under Trump vs. Biden, the state of the asylum system, and more. Follow and listen to the whole series: https://link.chtbl.com/withpod_tsfd
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