FT News Briefing
The Economics Show: What does a Trump presidency mean for immigration?
Nov 24, 2024
Michael Clemens, an expert on migration economics from George Mason University, delves into the potential impacts of a second Trump presidency on immigration. He discusses the current role of over 12 million unauthorized immigrants in the economy and the ramifications of mass deportation. The conversation highlights how Trump's rhetoric often scapegoats immigrants during tough economic times and reflects on historical precedents for immigration policy. Clemens stresses the need for reform to create legal work opportunities and balanced migration management.
30:49
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's proposed mass deportations could remove over 12 million undocumented immigrants, leading to significant economic instability and job losses in affected communities.
- The current political climate shows that immigrants are often scapegoated during economic distress, complicating the balance between security measures and lawful migration pathways.
Deep dives
Trump's Immigration Policies and Their Impact
During his first term, Donald Trump's immigration policies were among the most restrictive in U.S. history, resulting in significant reductions in legal migration, particularly high-skill visas and family sponsorships. His advocacy for eliminating entire categories of family sponsorship, including spouses and parents of U.S. citizens, signals a drastic shift in immigration policy. In a potential second term, he is expected to adopt even more restrictive measures, with experts estimating a further increase in the severity of immigration laws. This marks a stark departure from longstanding traditions, such as birthright citizenship, which could be challenged as part of his administration's overarching immigration strategy.
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