As former President Trump takes the reins again, a recent AP-NORC poll highlights a surge in public anxiety surrounding immigration.
The survey, conducted in December, shows that a significant 47 percent of respondents—spanning Republicans, Democrats, and independents—view immigration as the top issue confronting the government in 2025.
Divided Perspectives on Immigration
There’s a shared recognition of the importance of immigration among the public, but political ideologies shape vastly differing views on whether the incoming Trump administration will effectively address this challenge.
Nearly half of Republican participants expressed optimism about the nation’s direction, while confidence waned among Democrats, who are less certain about the government’s ability to resolve pressing issues.
This divide seems to be linked to Trump’s proposed immigration measures.
He plans to implement mass deportations during his presidency, a move that has raised red flags among civil liberties organizations.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warns that similar local initiatives have fostered unconstitutional practices, including racial profiling and wrongful detentions.
Moreover, such extensive deportation efforts could potentially violate the Fifth Amendment by infringing on due process rights.
Controversial Proposals and Their Implications
On another front, Trump has indicated intentions to challenge the principle of birthright citizenship via an executive order.
He suggests that citizenship should be dictated by a child’s parental lineage rather than the circumstances of their birth in the U.S. This stance appears to conflict with the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Support for Trump’s immigration policies is also evident in congressional actions; recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at detaining immigrants accused of theft-related offenses.
Opposition to these plans is robust among civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups, who emphasize the need to support the increasing number of individuals escaping violence and natural disasters.
Unintended Consequences from Previous Policies
During Trump’s prior tenure, mass deportation policies reportedly led to unintended consequences, including an uptick in the release of criminals held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The administration prioritized the prosecution of asylum seekers, diverting attention away from non-citizens involved in criminal activities.
As concerns about immigration intensify, the nation stands at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of potential policy changes under Trump’s leadership.
Source: Jurist