Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump appears poised to take immigration center stage in his 2024 campaign, a familiar strategy that contributed to his success in 2016. However, this time around, he is explicitly framing the issue in a way that attempts to resonate with African American and Hispanic voters, arguing that illegal immigration disproportionately harms these communities. This move seems designed to pry away minority support from Democrats, a strategy that could very well mirror or even exceed his previous electoral success.
The urgency of Trump’s message about illegal immigration was on full display at his recent rallies, where he hit hard at the border crisis, linking it directly to the economic struggles faced by minority communities. At a rally in Savannah, he pointed out the rampant drug problem facilitated by open borders, with a particular emphasis on fentanyl. Ramping up his critique, Trump has made it clear that he believes the influx of illegal migrants jeopardizes the jobs and livelihoods of black and Hispanic Americans. During his North Carolina campaign stop, he underscored the dire consequences of what he refers to as Kamala Harris’s “migrant invasion,” suggesting that legal jobs are being handed over to illegal immigrants instead of American citizens.
AMERICAN BORN WORKERS LOST 1.3M JOBS. Of that 635k illegal migrants had those jobs, Trump talks about how we need to put a stop to the illegal immigrants pouring in. pic.twitter.com/FHsFzmgWWe
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) September 25, 2024
Polling data offers a glimpse into the electoral landscape, indicating that immigration remains a pressing concern for voters, ranking among the top two issues alongside the economy. An eye-opening Scripps News-Ipsos poll revealed that 59% of respondents are closely following immigration issues, with many trusting Trump over Harris to manage the crisis effectively. In key battleground states such as Arizona, Trump enjoys a significant advantage, with a substantial number of voters believing he would handle immigration much better than his Democratic counterpart.
Kamala Harris is set to make a long-overdue visit to the border as she attempts to counter Trump’s narrative. Trump has already taken aim at her beleaguered reputation as Biden’s “border czar,” a title she seems eager to disassociate from. By highlighting her delayed response to the immigration crisis during his press conference, Trump is attempting to portray her as ineffective and out of touch with the realities faced by American workers who are struggling due to illegal immigration.
Historians and political strategists are starting to assert that Trump’s focus on immigration could prove to be a winning strategy. Research has indicated that his straightforward approach during his previous campaign — succinctly summarized in the phrase “Build the wall” — resonated with many voters and encouraged them to view the immigration issue in stark terms. This emphasis adds clarity to Trump’s stance at a time when many are frustrated with the current administration’s handling of the border. His proposals range from a resumption of mass deportations to reinforcing the “Remain in Mexico” policy, all designed to reestablish order and security at the southern border.
While some GOP insiders have raised concerns over potential distractions from immigration issues — blame it on the recent controversy surrounding exaggerated rumors of Haitian migrants in Ohio — they also acknowledge that Trump has a crucial opportunity to highlight the shortcomings of the Biden administration. His continued emphasis on immigration should help to solidify his support among voters concerned about job security and economic stability. Trump’s capacity to shift the spotlight back to how illegal immigration impedes economic progress for American citizens could be the game-changer needed for his campaign in 2024.
