Tracking Trump’s Second Term: Immigration Policy and Latin America

U.S. President Donald Trump, starting his second term, has emphasized aggressive immigration policies, particularly concerning Latin America. He has declared a national emergency at the southern border, aiming to control migration and enforce deportation from Latin American countries. AS/COA is monitoring these developments and their implications for trade and policy changes that could arise from the upcoming electoral season.

On the first day of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, labeling migration as “an invasion”—a prominent issue in his 2024 campaign. According to YouGov, about 15 percent of U.S. voters considered immigration their primary concern, ranking just below inflation. Trump’s renewed immigration focus is particularly significant for Latin America, which accounts for over half of the U.S. foreign-born population, equating to nearly 24.5 million individuals based on 2023 census data.

Historically, Trump’s migration policies during his first term pressured Latin American nations to deter migration and accept deportees. As he embarks on his second term, he plans to revive or escalate these strategies. Moreover, Trump aims to amend birthright citizenship interpretations and introduce punitive measures against countries that do not adhere to his deportation requests. AS/COA Online is actively monitoring these developments, including Trump’s new initiatives and how they differ from his previous policies.

In addition, AS/COA is examining the implications of Trump’s “America First” trade policy on Latin America and discussing the potential effects of mass emigration from Venezuela following the reported election fraud in July. The president has signed directives for border militarization, considered classifying drug cartels as terrorist entities, and proposed reductions in foreign aid. Furthermore, the organization is tracking presidential candidates’ stances on trade and immigration issues as they relate to the region.

In conclusion, President Trump’s second term is marked by a set of immigration policies aimed at addressing migration from Latin America, which constitutes a significant portion of the U.S. immigrant population. His administration’s strategy includes reviving earlier tactics and introducing punitive measures to control migration flows. AS/COA continues to monitor the implications of these actions on trade and migration within the region, as well as the potential effects of electoral outcomes on these policies.

Original Source: www.as-coa.org