INTO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS THE ECONOMY AFTER THAT, VOTERS SAY THEY CARE ABOUT LEADERSHIP AND THEN IMMIGRATION. THAT’S ACCORDING TO GALLUP POLLING FROM JULY. BUT MY NEXT GUEST SAYS SIMPLY SAYING IMMIGRATION TO A POLLSTER DOESN’T TELL YOU WHERE VOTERS ACTUALLY STAND ON THE ISSUE. IT’S A COMPLICATED ONE. AND HIS RESEARCH SHOWS THAT VOTERS FEELINGS ABOUT IT ARE EVOLVING. ERNESTO CASTANEDA IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE IMMIGRATION LAB AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY. IT’S SO NICE TO HAVE YOU. THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME. THANK YOU. SOLEDAD, LET’S BEGIN MAYBE WITH A HISTORY 101 ABOUT THE DEBATE OVER IMMIGRATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THERE WAS A LULL IN IMMIGRATION AFTER WORLD WAR TWO, AND THEN THERE WAS A BIG CHANGE TO THE LAW IN 1965 WITH THE OPENING TO FAMILY REUNIFICATION AND THE IDEA THAT PEOPLE IN CONGRESS HAD IS THAT IN THAT WAY, MORE EUROPEANS WILL KEEP COMING TO THE UNITED STATES. WHAT HAPPENED IN REALITY IS THAT THAT OPENED THE DOORS FOR THE ASIAN FAMILIES AND THE LATINO FAMILIES WHO WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE US TO BRING THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS LEGALLY AT THE SAME TIME, WE START SEEING THE EFFECTS OF THE END OF THE GUEST WORKER PROGRAM DEMANDED BY AGRICULTURE SECTORS AND OTHER EMPLOYERS THAT ENDED. AND THEN THAT BECOMES AN INFORMAL LABOR MARKET OF WHAT BECOMES WHAT WE CALL NOW UNDOCUMENTED MIGRATION. AND THEN THE THIRD ELEMENT THAT CHANGES IS THAT IN THE 80S, WITH A LOT OF CIVIL WARS IN CENTRAL AMERICA, YOU SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMING LOOKING FOR ASYLUM THAT WERE NOT GIVEN THE STATUS OF REFUGEES BECAUSE THE US HAD FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE REGIME IN CENTRAL AMERICA. WHEN POLLSTERS TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION, YOU KNOW, OFTEN IT’S VERY GENERIC. WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND IN YOUR RESEARCH ABOUT HOW AMERICANS POLE AROUND IMMIGRATION? SO FOR SOME PEOPLE, YES, WHEN THEY THINK ABOUT IMMIGRATION, THEY THINK ABOUT BORDER SECURITY. THAT IS A PHRASE THAT WE HEAR OFTEN FROM WASHINGTON, FROM POLITICIANS, ESPECIALLY SINCE NINE OVER 11. FOR OTHER PEOPLE IS UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS, FOR OTHER PEOPLE, MAYBE THE PEOPLE SLEEPING TEMPORARILY IN THE STREETS OR IN HOTELS AND SHELTERS AND FOR OTHERS, IT’S JUST HOW WHEN CAN WE PASS A HUMANE LAW TO HELP PEOPLE ESCAPING HORRIBLE SITUATIONS IN HAITI, VENEZUELA, UKRAINE AND AFGHANISTAN? HOW DOES IMMIGRATION PERFORM? IF YOU WILL, AS AN ISSUE WHEN YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT A TIGHT CONGRESSIONAL RACE, SENATE RACE, PRESIDENTIAL RACE, WE HAVE DONE RESEARCH SINCE THE 2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS AND SINCE THEN WE HAVE LOOKED AT CONGRESSIONAL RACES OR GUBERNATORIAL RACES THAT ARE CLOSED. SO IN THESE SWING STATES, IN THESE PURPLE STATES, WE SEE THAT IMMIGRATION IS NOT A WINNING THING. KRIS KOBACH WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST ADVISERS FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP ON IMMIGRATION. HE RAN FOR GOVERNOR AND HE LOST. AND LIKE THAT, WE HAVE COUNTED DOZENS OF CASES EVERY ELECTION WHERE BEING PRO-IMMIGRANT FOR THE DEMOCRATS HAVEN’T HASN’T AFFECTED THEM. MANY GOT ELECTED. SAME THING. MANY THEY TEND TO BE REPUBLICANS WHO ARE ANTI-IMMIGRANT. THEY HAVE LOST MANY ELECTIONS. SO IT’S NOT THAT WINNING ISSUE THAT PEOPLE THINK. AND IT’S ALSO WHEN IT’S WHEN IT’S USEFUL ELECTORALLY IS TEMPORARY. IT’S PROBABLY ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT BROUGHT TRUMP TO THE FORE, MADE HIM POPULAR IN 2016. TALKING AGAINST MEXICANS IN PARTICULAR, THE BORDER WALL. HE WAS IN OFFICE. HE DIDN’T CHANGE THE DYNAMICS VERY MUCH IN 2020. HE WAS TRYING TO SCARE PEOPLE ABOUT THE CARAVANS. IT DIDN’T WORK. AND NOW HE’S TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE COMING FROM ASYLUMS, WHICH IS NOT TRUE. HE’S PROBABLY REFERRING MORE TO PEOPLE COMING FROM CUBA AND VENEZUELA TODAY. IT’S A QUESTION MARK WHETHER. THAT’S GOING TO FUNCTION FOR HIM ELECTORALLY. I DON’T THINK SO. WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE CHANCES THAT, AS WE HEAD INTO 2025, IN FACT, WE’RE GOING TO SEE PROGRESS ON THIS ISSUE. IT’S A PRIORITY FOR EMPLOYERS THAT CANNOT FIND ENOUGH WORKERS. THERE’S AROUND 1.5 OPENING JOBS FOR EVERY ONE WORKER AVAILABLE. SO EVEN IF WE HIRE EVERYBODY THAT DOESN’T HAVE A JOB TODAY, THEY WILL STILL BE MORE JOBS TO BE FILLED. THE WHITE HOUSE HAS VERY STRONG OPINIONS ON MIGRATION AND FROM ONE SIDE, TRUMP DEPORTING A LOT OF PEOPLE AND DOUBLING DOWN ON THE POLICIES THEY DID LAST TIME AROUND. AND THE KAMALA ADMINISTRATION WITH WALLS WILL BE TRYING TO BRING THESE PEOPLE INTO THE AMERICAN FOLD IN A LEGAL FASHION. SO THE QUESTION REALLY LIES IN THE SENATE. WHAT PARTY HAS HOW MANY VOTES? AND THEN BECAUSE OF THE FILIBUSTER, THEY WILL NEED TO BE A BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT. ERNESTA CASTANEDA, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TALKING WITH ME. DIRECTOR OF
What voters should know about immigration ahead of the 2024 election
Immigration is a divisive topic in the United States, and with the 2024 election quickly approaching, it remains an important issue for many voters.About 61% of voters say immigration is very important to their vote in 2024, which is a 9-percentage point increase from the 2020 presidential election, according to a report by the Pew Research Center.Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made immigration a major focus of his campaign, placing blame on Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris for the issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. Meanwhile, Harris touts the work she’s done at the border and attributes it to the current low illegal immigration numbers. Here’s what to know about immigration and what the 2024 presidential candidates are saying about it: Current illegal immigration numbers and how it’s tracked The number of encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border drastically decreased from May to August 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.In August, Border Patrol reported 58,038 encounters along the southern border, a more than 50% decrease from May at 117,905.Video above: Drone footage of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Columbus Port of Entry at US-Mexico borderSome attribute the decline to an executive action that President Joe Biden passed in June, which bars migrants who cross the southern border illegally from receiving asylum.However, it is important to note that Border Patrol tracks illegal immigration numbers through encounters at the border and encounters between ports of entry, meaning it is hard to accurately track the number of immigrants crossing the border illegally. What are the presidential candidates saying?Donald TrumpTrump wants to complete the construction of the border wall, redirect federal law enforcement agents to immigration enforcement, use technology to monitor and secure the border, and “carry out the largest deportation operation in American history,” according to Trump’s campaign.”You got to get rid of these people. Give me a shot,” Trump said at a rally in Long Island, New York, in September. “You start with the stone-cold killers, the murderers, the drug dealers. You get them out, and you tell them if they ever come back: big trouble.”Video above: Hundreds of students cross an international border every day for an American educationTrump has been a tough critic of the current situation at the southern border and places the blame on Harris, referring to her as the “border czar.” And while Harris was never actually put in charge of border security, in 2021, Biden asked her to examine the root causes that prompted Central American citizens to try to migrate to the U.S.Kamala HarrisHarris, although not as extreme as Trump with her plans on illegal immigration, wants to improve border security and create an earned pathway to citizenship for migrants, according to her campaign. “We can do both: create an earned pathway to citizenship and ensure our border is secure,” Harris said in September.Video above: Fact-checking claims on Vice President Kamala Harris’ record on border securityHarris said she supports the border security bill, which was blocked in the Senate in May 2024. The bill, which was backed by Biden, was designed to reduce border crossings and raise the standard for migrants to qualify for asylum. If elected president, Harris said she plans to bring back the border security bill and sign it into law.Harris attributes the current low border crossing numbers to the work she and Biden have done in the White House during her time as vice president.How hard is it to receive asylum, become a legal US citizen? Asylum:Those seeking asylum in the U.S. can do so legally through one of three ways: the affirmative process, an Asylum Merits Interview after a positive credible fear determination or the defensive process.To obtain asylum through the affirmative asylum process, you must be physically present in the U.S. and you must apply for asylum within one year of the date of your last arrival in the U.S. (Some exceptions apply).If you are placed in expedited removal proceedings and indicate an intention to apply for asylum, express a fear of persecution, torture, or fear of returning to your country, you will be referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a credible fear screening. A USCIS officer will conduct a credible fear screening interview to determine whether you have a credible fear of persecution or torture.A defensive application for asylum happens when you request asylum as a defense against removal from the U.S. For asylum processing to be defensive, you must be in removal proceedings in immigration court with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.Migrants who are eligible can use the CBP One mobile app to apply to legally enter the U.S.Naturalization process:In order to become a U.S. citizen, there are 10 steps you must take: Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen: Ensure you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, or you did not acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from your parent(s) automatically after birth.Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen: Review the naturalization eligibility worksheet to determine if you are eligible to apply for naturalization.Apply for naturalization: Fill out the application form to apply for naturalization.Submit form and pay fees: Submit the application form and pay your fees. Both can be done online. Go to biometrics appointment (if applicable): If you need to take biometrics, USCIS will send you an appointment notice that includes your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at the designated location at the scheduled time. Have your biometrics taken.Complete the interview: Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process. During your interview, an officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test, which is made up of two components: an English and civics test. Receive a decision from USCIS: USCIS will mail a notice of decision to you. If you filed your application online, you can also access the electronic notice in your account.Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance: If USCIS approves your application, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview.Take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.: You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Understanding U.S. citizenship: Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Check out this list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens — both Americans by birth and by choice — should exercise, honor, and respect, according to USCIS. Video below: U.S.-Mexico border fence between Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Puerto de Anapra, Mexico
Immigration is a divisive topic in the United States, and with the 2024 election quickly approaching, it remains an important issue for many voters.
About 61% of voters say immigration is very important to their vote in 2024, which is a 9-percentage point increase from the 2020 presidential election, according to a report by the Pew Research Center.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made immigration a major focus of his campaign, placing blame on Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris for the issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. Meanwhile, Harris touts the work she’s done at the border and attributes it to the current low illegal immigration numbers.
Here’s what to know about immigration and what the 2024 presidential candidates are saying about it:
Current illegal immigration numbers and how it’s tracked
The number of encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border drastically decreased from May to August 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
In August, Border Patrol reported 58,038 encounters along the southern border, a more than 50% decrease from May at 117,905.
Video above: Drone footage of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Columbus Port of Entry at US-Mexico border
Some attribute the decline to an executive action that President Joe Biden passed in June, which bars migrants who cross the southern border illegally from receiving asylum.
However, it is important to note that Border Patrol tracks illegal immigration numbers through encounters at the border and encounters between ports of entry, meaning it is hard to accurately track the number of immigrants crossing the border illegally.
What are the presidential candidates saying?
Donald Trump
Trump wants to complete the construction of the border wall, redirect federal law enforcement agents to immigration enforcement, use technology to monitor and secure the border, and “carry out the largest deportation operation in American history,” according to Trump’s campaign.
“You got to get rid of these people. Give me a shot,” Trump said at a rally in Long Island, New York, in September. “You start with the stone-cold killers, the murderers, the drug dealers. You get them out, and you tell them if they ever come back: big trouble.”
Video above: Hundreds of students cross an international border every day for an American education
Trump has been a tough critic of the current situation at the southern border and places the blame on Harris, referring to her as the “border czar.” And while Harris was never actually put in charge of border security, in 2021, Biden asked her to examine the root causes that prompted Central American citizens to try to migrate to the U.S.
Kamala Harris
Harris, although not as extreme as Trump with her plans on illegal immigration, wants to improve border security and create an earned pathway to citizenship for migrants, according to her campaign.
“We can do both: create an earned pathway to citizenship and ensure our border is secure,” Harris said in September.
Video above: Fact-checking claims on Vice President Kamala Harris’ record on border security
Harris said she supports the border security bill, which was blocked in the Senate in May 2024. The bill, which was backed by Biden, was designed to reduce border crossings and raise the standard for migrants to qualify for asylum. If elected president, Harris said she plans to bring back the border security bill and sign it into law.
Harris attributes the current low border crossing numbers to the work she and Biden have done in the White House during her time as vice president.
How hard is it to receive asylum, become a legal US citizen?
Asylum:
Those seeking asylum in the U.S. can do so legally through one of three ways: the affirmative process, an Asylum Merits Interview after a positive credible fear determination or the defensive process.
To obtain asylum through the affirmative asylum process, you must be physically present in the U.S. and you must apply for asylum within one year of the date of your last arrival in the U.S. (Some exceptions apply).
If you are placed in expedited removal proceedings and indicate an intention to apply for asylum, express a fear of persecution, torture, or fear of returning to your country, you will be referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a credible fear screening. A USCIS officer will conduct a credible fear screening interview to determine whether you have a credible fear of persecution or torture.
A defensive application for asylum happens when you request asylum as a defense against removal from the U.S. For asylum processing to be defensive, you must be in removal proceedings in immigration court with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Migrants who are eligible can use the CBP One mobile app to apply to legally enter the U.S.
Naturalization process:
In order to become a U.S. citizen, there are 10 steps you must take:
- Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen: Ensure you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, or you did not acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from your parent(s) automatically after birth.
- Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen: Review the naturalization eligibility worksheet to determine if you are eligible to apply for naturalization.
- Apply for naturalization: Fill out the application form to apply for naturalization.
- Submit form and pay fees: Submit the application form and pay your fees. Both can be done online.
- Go to biometrics appointment (if applicable): If you need to take biometrics, USCIS will send you an appointment notice that includes your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at the designated location at the scheduled time. Have your biometrics taken.
- Complete the interview: Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process. During your interview, an officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test, which is made up of two components: an English and civics test.
- Receive a decision from USCIS: USCIS will mail a notice of decision to you. If you filed your application online, you can also access the electronic notice in your account.
- Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance: If USCIS approves your application, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.: You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.
- Understanding U.S. citizenship: Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Check out this list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens — both Americans by birth and by choice — should exercise, honor, and respect, according to USCIS.
Video below: U.S.-Mexico border fence between Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Puerto de Anapra, Mexico
