President Trump resumes hardline immigration policies targeting Latin America in his second term, focusing on deportation and restructuring legal frameworks around citizenship. The response from Latin American governments and the increase in U.S. militarization at the border, as well as their implications for regional dynamics, are being monitored closely.
On the first day of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized his focus on immigration by declaring a national emergency at the southern border and categorizing migration as “an invasion.” This strategy reflects a significant aspect of his 2024 presidential campaign, where approximately 15 percent of voters identified immigration as the nation’s foremost issue, ranking just behind inflation.
Trump’s immigration policies are poised to have a substantial impact on Latin America, as the region accounts for over half of the foreign-born population in the U.S., totaling nearly 24.5 million individuals. Furthermore, Latin Americans constitute about 77 percent of the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants residing in the United States, according to Pew Research Center.
Throughout his first presidency, Trump implemented policies aimed at compelling Latin American governments to assume greater responsibility in curbing migration and accepting deported individuals. In his current term, he is amplifying several of these policies and seeking to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to terminate birthright citizenship, while also threatening punitive measures against non-compliant countries regarding deportation.
The Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA) is actively observing the evolving migration policies under Trump’s administration. They will provide insights into recent initiatives, campaign promises, and the differences in his second-term immigration strategies compared to his first.
In addition to immigration, AS/COA is monitoring the broader U.S. approach to Latin America, including trade. They are also closely tracking the potential consequences of election-related migrations from Venezuela following alleged election fraud, alongside available legal migration pathways. Trump has signed orders to strengthen border security and proposed to label drug cartels as terrorist organizations while reducing foreign aid to the region.
In summary, President Trump’s administration is renewing its aggressive immigration policies, particularly concerning Latin America. With a focus on deportation and national security, he aims to reshape U.S. migration strategies significantly. The impacts on Latin American countries and the lives of millions of immigrants are being closely monitored by organizations such as AS/COA, providing critical insights into ongoing changes and potential ramifications in the region.
Original Source: www.as-coa.org
