The Impact of Rhetoric on Immigration Patterns

The concept of the 'Trump Effect' suggests that political rhetoric can significantly influence immigration behavior. During his 2016 campaign, Trump's strong stance against illegal immigration led to a drastic decrease in border crossings, as many potential migrants chose to stay home rather than risk deportation. Current immigration expert Todd Bensman posits that a similar phenomenon may be occurring once again, as individuals observe tough rhetoric about deportations and border security. This change in perception appears to have contributed to a reduction in the anticipated surges of migration observed in recent years.