Since Donald Trump announced his intention to run again for the presidency of the United States, immigration has been a cornerstone of his campaign. Trump's positions have generated divided opinions, and confusing information is common. In this article, we will break down some of the most common myths and realities behind his immigration proposals, from deportations to protection programs and work visas.
Myth #1: Mass Deportations
Fact: Although Trump is known for his pro-deportation stance, during his first term, these deportations primarily targeted immigrants with criminal records or those who entered the country without inspection. Currently, it is estimated that 3.31% of the U.S. population consists of undocumented immigrants, of whom 8.3 million are workers.
In his proposal for a second term, Trump has mentioned a mass deportation plan that would affect between 15 and 20 million people. However, experts point out that carrying out this initiative would be a costly and legally complex process. The feasibility of a large-scale mass deportation faces multiple challenges, both logistical and legal.
Myth #2: Trump will suspend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs
Fact: Trump attempted to eliminate TPS for several countries, which would have left approximately 300,000 people vulnerable to deportation. However, several of his attempts were blocked by the courts. It is worth noting that Trump granted the first TPS to Venezuela, which temporarily protected thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S.
Currently, 863,880 people live under this protection in the United States, coming from 16 countries including Venezuela, Haiti, and El Salvador. Unless renewed, 13 of these designations will expire next year, while three will expire in 2026. What will the future of TPS be under a new Trump administration? This is one of the most pressing questions for many families and communities.
Myth #3: Trump will not support political asylum
Fact: Although Trump imposed several restrictions on access to asylum during his first term, such as the "Remain in Mexico" agreement, he cannot eliminate this protection. The right to political asylum is grounded in international human rights agreements, and modifying this mechanism would require not only congressional approval but also a complex legislative process.
Although its approach to migration seems to be leaning towards greater restrictions, asylum remains a humanitarian protection that, being protected by international agreements, has legal barriers that prevent its elimination.
Myth #4: Trump will eliminate humanitarian parole
Fact: Trump has expressed his intention to end the use of humanitarian parole, which was approved in 2022 to grant temporary status to migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti. Around 530,000 people entered the country under this program.
Although the president has referred to parole recipients as “illegal immigrants,” the program failed not because of its design, but because of abuses and fraud committed in some cases. These problems led to its suspension, and a new Trump administration is expected to eliminate it permanently.
Myth #5: Trump would eliminate the benefits of the "Green Card"«
Fact: In an interesting turn of events, Trump recently proposed automatically granting permanent residency (Green Cards) to foreign nationals who graduate from U.S. universities. This proposal contradicts his anti-immigration stance from his first term and opens a potential pathway for international students to remain in the country after completing their studies.
While it is still a proposal, this measure could be beneficial for those who see education as a path to legal residency in the U.S.
Myth #6: Trump would eliminate visa programs for skilled workers
Fact: Although Trump attempted to restrict some visa programs, such as those for skilled workers, he never completely eliminated these visas, especially those used by technology companies. His "Buy American, Hire American" initiative aimed to reduce reliance on foreign workers, but the program remains in place and continues to be an option for skilled immigrants who want to work in the United States.
Despite his rhetoric, the need for qualified talent in areas such as technology and medicine has allowed these programs to survive and continue benefiting thousands of professionals.
Get informed and form your own opinion
The United States political system is complex, and the president does not have absolute power to implement all his proposals. Every measure must face judicial and political processes that act as a check and balance, ensuring that decisions are made based on the law and the public interest.
During campaigns, many promises are made, but in practice, the challenges are different. Immigration policies in the U.S. are a controversial and evolving issue that will surely be a recurring theme in the country's politics. It is crucial to be informed to better understand the myths and truths behind each measure and to form a well-founded opinion about the future of immigration in the United States under the Trump administration.