Trump’s Second Term: A Renewed Focus on Immigration and Its Implications for Latin America
This piece was originally published on January 31, 2025. New content is regularly added.
With the declaration of a national emergency at the U.S. southern border and the classification of migration as “an invasion,” President Donald Trump made his focus on immigration abundantly clear on the first day of his second term. This move is not unexpected; immigration was a cornerstone of his messaging during the 2024 presidential campaign, capturing considerable attention and debate among the electorate. In surveys conducted during that election year, around 15 percent of U.S. voters identified migration as the most crucial issue facing the country, placing it just behind inflation in importance, according to YouGov.
The Demographics of Migration: Latin America at the Forefront
One cannot discuss U.S. immigration without acknowledging its deep connection to Latin America. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that over half of the foreign-born population in the United States comes from Latin American countries, amounting to nearly 24.5 million people. Moreover, the Pew Research Center has highlighted that Latin Americans account for approximately 77 percent of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the country. This substantial representation means that any changes in U.S. immigration policy will likely have far-reaching consequences for the region and its people.
Lessons from Trump’s First Term: Policies Resurrected
During his first presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump implemented various policies aimed at controlling the flow of migrants from Latin America. These initiatives placed pressure on Latin American governments to curb migration and accept the deportation of their nationals. Trump’s first term was characterized by actions such as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required asylum seekers to wait for their claims to be processed outside the U.S., effectively increasing the burden on local resources in Mexico and Central America.
As he embarks on his second term, Trump is not only resurrecting these policies but amplifying them. This signals a renewed commitment to treating migration as a crisis requiring aggressive measures. Analysts expect to see an intensification of border enforcement and an increase in cooperation demands from Latin American countries in exchange for U.S. assistance or trade benefits.
The Birthright Citizenship Controversy
Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s immigration policy agenda in this new term is his intention to challenge birthright citizenship. This objective puts forth the notion that he seeks to reinterpret the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Advocates for this change argue that it would diminish the incentive for undocumented migrants to cross the border with the hope of securing a better future for their children.
This potential move is not merely a domestic legal issue; it inherently involves international relations, particularly with Latin American countries. If such a reinterpretation were to go into effect, it could lead to a significant shift in migration patterns and raise questions about the rights of the children of undocumented immigrants, many of whom are currently U.S. citizens.
Threats of Punitive Measures: A Hardline Stance
Another notable aspect of Trump’s renewed approach to immigration is the looming threat of punitive measures against countries that fail to cooperate with his administration’s immigration objectives. Trump’s administration has hinted at using economic sanctions and immigration quotas as tools to apply pressure—a tactic that could set a challenging precedent in U.S.-Latin America relations.
Countries that are seen as either failing to stem the tide of migration or refusing to accept the return of deported individuals could find themselves facing repercussions. This hardline stance complicates diplomatic relations and may sow discord among allies in the region, as local governments grapple with their citizens’ rights and the economic implications of compliance with U.S. demands.
Monitoring Changes: Staying Informed
As these developments unfold, organizations and think tanks across the spectrum are closely monitoring Trump’s evolving policies towards migration. One such entity is AS/COA Online, which aims to stay ahead of both the administration’s current initiatives and Trump’s campaign promises. By analyzing and documenting changes in policy, stakeholders can gain insights into how Trump’s second term might differ from his first and the broader implications of those policies for Latin Americans and U.S. immigration as a whole.
In this dynamically shifting landscape, understanding the nuances and motivations behind Trump’s renewed focus on immigration is crucial for everyone—policymakers, activists, migrants, and average citizens alike. As debates heat up around migration in the United States, it is evident that the impact will resonate far beyond the borders of the U.S., shaping the futures of millions across Latin America.
