Week of August 1–7, 2024

Asmaa Hamadan, a recipient of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Law Student Scholarship, highlights the inequities faced by noncitizens in the U.S. criminal justice system, particularly in New York. Although the law claims to treat everyone equally, noncitizens encounter discrimination right from the arraignment stage. In New York, individuals have a right to an arraignment within 48 hours of arrest, where a judge determines whether they can be released. However, noncitizen defendants are often labeled as "flight risks," regardless of their ties to the community.

This bias is exacerbated by the Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) report, which generates scores for judges based on factors like stable housing and phone ownership, inadvertently criminalizing poverty. Many noncitizens face housing instability, leading to lower CJA scores that unfairly impact their chances of pre-trial release.

Consequently, noncitizens frequently face stricter bail conditions or are incarcerated pre-trial, despite the presumption of innocence. Hamadan advocates for reforms that ensure a holistic assessment of individuals, free from discrimination based on immigration status. While the language of criminal law may appear neutral, the reality is that noncitizens bear the brunt of systemic biases from the very start of their legal proceedings.

Republican views on immigrants and immigration policy starkly contrast with overall American attitudes, according to the 2024 Chicago Council Survey conducted from June 21 to July 1, 2024. The survey reveals that Republican concerns about immigration have reached a record high, with 83% labeling large numbers of immigrants and refugees as a critical threat. This marks the highest level of concern among Republicans since the Council began tracking this issue in 1998.

While a majority of Americans (61%) view immigrants from other cultures positively, 61% of Republicans see their impact as mainly negative. Additionally, 65% of Americans oppose mass detention of undocumented immigrants, whereas 57% of Republicans support it. Furthermore, 62% of Americans favor a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants, but 44% of Republicans believe these individuals should leave their jobs and the country.

The survey indicates a significant increase in American concern over immigration, particularly following recent surges in encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border. The return of mass movements from Latin America, especially due to Venezuela's political and economic turmoil, has made immigration a pressing political issue. Gallup polls this spring noted immigration as the top concern among Americans. Overall, while concerns about immigration are rising across party lines, Republicans’ perceptions of it as a threat have surged dramatically, reflecting a divide in immigration views within the nation.

Immigration has long been a focal point in U.S. political discourse, with Congress struggling to reach a consensus on comprehensive reform. This stalemate has shifted significant policy decisions to the executive and judicial branches. Former President Donald Trump centered his political agenda around changes to asylum, border, and deportation policies, while President Joe Biden sought to reverse these measures. However, the end of pandemic-related restrictions and a surge in migration have complicated Biden's plans.

As of 2022, immigrants made up approximately 13.9% of the U.S. population, totaling around 46 million, with Mexico being the largest source country at 23%. The undocumented population was estimated at 11 million, a decline from previous years due to economic factors. In fiscal year 2023, nearly 2.5 million people were apprehended while attempting to cross the southern border, a record high.

Central American migrants, often seeking asylum rather than work, have increasingly strained the U.S. immigration system, resulting in nearly 2.8 million pending immigration court cases at the end of FY 2023. While border enforcement policies are a focus, many undocumented individuals arrived legally and overstayed their visas. In FY 2022, the U.S. granted over one million legal permanent residency statuses, primarily through family reunification, with over four million applicants still waiting for visas as of late 2023.

Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently championed the rule of law and supports bipartisan border security measures. In contrast, some anti-immigration MAGA extremists, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, have exploited immigration issues for political gain while neglecting meaningful reform.

Harris was not specifically tasked with overseeing the U.S.-Mexico border; instead, she has focused on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America, similar to the role then-Vice President Biden played during the Obama administration. The Biden-Harris administration has implemented various strategies to tackle irregular migration, resulting in fewer encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border compared to 2019.

As Latin America emerges from the pandemic, it faces unprecedented displacement, contributing to irregular migration, particularly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The administration has responded by leading a hemispheric effort, including the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, aimed at managing and ordering migration effectively.

This agreement has fostered cooperation, with Mexico stepping up its efforts to curb irregular migration. Additionally, alternatives for migrants from unstable regions have been created, allowing them to enter the U.S. legally and contribute to its economy.

The Partnership for Central America has also generated $5.2 billion in private investment, aiding job creation and stability in Central America. Recent data shows a significant decline in encounters from Northern Triangle countries. Achieving sustainable order at the U.S.-Mexico border requires collaborative solutions rather than politicizing immigration issues.

Erica Dobbs, assistant professor of politics, studies political representation and social protection. This summer, she collaborated with Pomona College students on research related to the local elections in Ireland. Dobbs teaches comparative politics, focusing on European politics, social movements, and democracy.

The 2024 local elections in Ireland raised concerns about the potential success of far-right anti-immigration parties. Despite a significant anti-immigration riot in Dublin in 2023 and polling indicating immigration as a top voter concern, only four far-right candidates secured seats, all in Dublin.

A unique aspect of Irish local politics is its openness to immigrant participation; non-citizens can vote and run for office after just six months of residency. This accessibility, along with a small population of just over five million, facilitates civic engagement and entry into local politics, particularly for active immigrant communities.

Economic prosperity has also shaped attitudes toward immigration, as Ireland’s growth since joining the EU in the 1990s has attracted workers. However, Dublin's housing crisis challenges this generosity. The Irish perspective on immigration is influenced by their history as a nation of emigrants, with narratives of empathy and the desire to reciprocate aid received during past crises.

Interestingly, while far-right candidates underperformed in Ireland, many immigrant-origin candidates were elected. This contrasts with trends observed in the U.S., where far-right strategies have taken hold. Voter dynamics in Ireland may signal potential strategies for American voters to counter anti-immigrant sentiments in upcoming elections.

The Biden-Harris administration has made numerous immigration reforms, including a significant but often overlooked initiative to protect immigrant workers. In January 2023, the administration launched DALE (Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement), allowing workers involved in labor disputes to request protection from immigration enforcement. This helps workers report abuses without fear of retaliation from employers. In July 2024, the protection period was extended from two to four years, acknowledging that labor disputes often take longer to resolve.

Unscrupulous employers have long used immigration enforcement threats to silence workers, deterring them from reporting abuses like wage theft, unsafe conditions, and discrimination. DALE was developed after years of advocacy from immigrant rights groups, aiming to empower workers and help labor agencies enforce laws more effectively.

Workers who experience or witness labor violations can file complaints with agencies like the Department of Labor or the National Labor Relations Board. With a statement of interest from these agencies, workers can then apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for deferred action and work authorization. This process also offers potential pathways to more permanent protections for some, such as U or T visas in cases of trafficking or related crimes.

Worker testimonies highlight the transformative impact of DALE, providing temporary but vital protection that empowers workers to challenge abuse while safeguarding labor rights for all.

A new study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy reveals that undocumented immigrants paid nearly $100 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022, despite being excluded from many benefits funded by those taxes. In 40 states, undocumented immigrants paid higher tax rates than the wealthiest 1%, contributing $96.7 billion. If granted work authorization, they could contribute an additional $40.2 billion annually due to higher wages and easier tax compliance.

Undocumented immigrants pay taxes through payroll, property, and sales taxes, funding programs like Medicare and Social Security, but are barred from accessing these benefits. They also face challenges, such as predatory tax preparers targeting their communities.

Six states—New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois—each collected over $1 billion from undocumented taxpayers. Despite misconceptions, experts argue that deporting undocumented immigrants would hurt the economy, reducing consumer spending and tax revenue. In states facing labor shortages, like South Dakota and Maine, immigrants help fill critical workforce gaps.

As the political climate intensifies, with states enacting stricter immigration laws and debates on deportation looming, this study highlights the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants. Researchers suggest that over time, their children could contribute even more to the economy, making their presence a long-term benefit.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ presumptive nomination for the Democratic Party has reignited hope among faith leaders for a commitment to immigrants’ rights and a humane border policy. These leaders, wary of a potential Trump presidency, criticize President Biden's immigration approach, especially his restrictions on asylum claims, and hope Harris will adopt a different stance.

If elected, Harris may continue Biden’s strict asylum policies, raising concerns among faith groups. Leaders like Dylan Corbett, of the Hope Border Institute, urge Harris to seek comprehensive immigration reform, prioritizing the dignity of immigrants and securing bipartisan solutions. The status quo at the border, marked by asylum seeker turnbacks and migrant deaths, is unacceptable to many.

Harris’ past efforts include addressing root causes of migration in Latin America, with economic aid and anti-corruption initiatives. However, her 2021 statement, urging migrants not to come to the U.S., was condemned as insensitive by faith leaders, highlighting the complexity of migrants' choices driven by violence and trauma.

Faith leaders emphasize the need for humane, effective immigration policies. While Harris’ immigration record is mixed, her advocates highlight her experience as California’s attorney general and U.S. Senator, where she supported Dreamers and condemned family separations. Her personal background as a child of immigrants is seen as a positive factor for understanding the complex issues of immigration, with hope she will bring fairness and efficiency to U.S. border challenges.

The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate, now at 4.3%, is due to an increase in labor supply from immigration, not job cuts, according to Apollo Global Management economist Torsten Slok. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows no significant rise in layoffs, which have remained steady at 1.5 to 1.6 million per month. The labor force is growing as more immigrants enter the U.S., contributing to a higher unemployment rate even though job cuts haven’t surged.

In 2022, net immigration to the U.S. was 2.6 million, rising to 3.3 million in 2023. This influx helped address labor shortages after the pandemic and kept the economy strong, but it also slowed wage growth, which has helped control inflation but limits long-term earning potential for workers.

Slok and others argue that the unemployment increase doesn’t signal a recession, despite triggering the Sahm Rule—a measure indicating economic downturns. The rule, however, doesn’t differentiate between a rise in labor supply and a drop in demand. Claudia Sahm, creator of the rule, acknowledges that the current rise in unemployment is tied to labor force growth, not job losses.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need to consider broader economic data, pointing to continued consumer spending as evidence of a solid, though slowing, economy. However, signs like faltering retail spending and rising credit card delinquencies suggest potential challenges ahead.

LaMonica McIver, a Democrat favored to replace the late Donald Payne Jr. in Congress, opposes reopening Delaney Hall, an immigrant detention center in Newark. McIver's stance was in response to a letter from 60 clergy members urging her to oppose the Geo Group’s efforts to reopen the center. The company aims to house up to 600 detainees but faces challenges due to a state law that restricts immigrant detention centers.

McIver, Newark’s council president, emphasized the need for humane immigration reform over corporate profit. She criticized Republican leaders, including Donald Trump, for hindering progress on immigration reform.

The clergy argue that preventing the reopening of Delaney Hall is crucial for protecting immigrant communities and avoiding increased policing in vulnerable areas. Charlene Walker, executive director of Faith in New Jersey, highlighted that Newark's 10th District is home to many immigrants and marginalized communities who face systemic inequalities.

Though McIver has yet to officially take office, she is expected to win both the special and general elections in this Democratic district. Her Republican opponent, Carmen Bucco, has expressed concerns about border security but remains vague on whether he supports reopening the detention center.

The clergy emphasized that immigration reform is a critical issue and called for legislators at all levels to fight against detention centers and build a fair, welcoming society for immigrants.

Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the Democratic presidential ticket, ending speculation over her choice. Walz, a progressive leader, has championed immigration reforms in his state, including expanding state services to undocumented residents. In 2023, he supported legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and access MinnesotaCare, the state’s subsidized health insurance for low-income residents.

Walz also extended in-state tuition to low-income students, including undocumented youth. At the federal level, Walz has advocated for legal pathways for Dreamers and criticized former President Trump's border policies, including family separations and border wall construction. He backed President Biden’s executive action to address migrant crossings and supported a bipartisan border deal, which Trump opposed.

Reactions to Harris' selection of Walz were divided. Bisbee Mayor Ken Budge praised the decision, highlighting Walz's understanding of border community needs. However, Trump’s campaign criticized the pick, framing it as part of a "dangerously liberal" agenda promoting migrant crossings. Chad Wolf, former acting Homeland Security secretary under Trump, further criticized Walz and Harris for their stances on law enforcement and crime reduction, accusing them of neglecting public safety.

Over the past decade, many U.S. politicians have pushed for stricter voter ID laws, citing concerns over election fraud. Despite a lack of substantial evidence, some claim that noncitizens frequently vote in federal elections. For instance, House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested, without proof, that “illegals” are voting. However, a close look at available data shows that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative group advocating for stricter voting regulations, maintains a database of voter fraud cases. This database, which spans decades, includes just 68 cases of noncitizen voting—less than 5% of the total fraud cases documented. With over one billion votes cast during this time, the incidence of noncitizen voting is an incredibly low 0.0001%.

Further analysis reveals that most noncitizen voting cases involve lawful permanent residents, often due to confusion or misinformation provided by government officials. Many of these individuals were inadvertently encouraged to vote, mistakenly believing they were eligible. A 2016 investigation in North Carolina, for instance, found that most of the 19 people charged with noncitizen voting were lawful permanent residents misled by officials.

The evidence overwhelmingly shows that noncitizen voting is not a significant issue. Therefore, rather than imposing costly and unnecessary restrictions, efforts should focus on better training for government workers to avoid such rare mistakes.

Immigration is a key issue in the 2024 election, especially for Republicans, and it is central to the North Carolina gubernatorial race. The Republican platform prioritizes "sealing the border" and carrying out the "largest deportation operation in American history." This mirrors the national focus on immigration, and North Carolina’s legislature has also tackled the issue, considering House Bill 10, which mandates sheriffs cooperate with ICE detainers, though it didn’t pass.

Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has made immigration a focal point in his campaign, criticizing his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, for being "soft on crime." Robinson supports HB 10, believing it will enhance safety by cracking down on sanctuary cities and requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE. He frequently connects Stein to Vice President Kamala Harris, labeling them as proponents of harmful immigration policies.

Stein, the state’s attorney general, has not emphasized immigration but has worked on law enforcement and safety issues, such as addressing the fentanyl crisis and prosecuting violent criminals. He supports bipartisan border security and has advocated for DACA, stating that Dreamers should be able to stay in the U.S. Stein has also pushed for stronger border security while ensuring that immigrants who enter legally are welcomed.

The contrasting stances of the two candidates highlight immigration’s importance in this pivotal race.

In 2022, undocumented immigrants in Florida contributed $1.8 billion in state and local taxes, according to a report by the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). This contribution is part of a larger national total of $96.7 billion paid by an estimated 10.9 million undocumented immigrants across the U.S. ITEP’s findings highlight the crucial role undocumented immigrants play in funding government services, despite their lack of legal work authorization. These tax contributions support federal programs, including healthcare and retirement benefits, contradicting claims by political leaders like Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis, who argue that undocumented immigrants drain public resources.

Florida was among six states where undocumented residents contributed more than $1 billion in state and local taxes, alongside California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. Notably, California led the contributions with $8.5 billion.

The report emphasizes that undocumented immigrants are subject to U.S. tax laws, with many using individual taxpayer numbers in lieu of Social Security numbers. Almost 39% of their contributions went to state and local governments in 2022, through taxes like sales, excise, property, and income taxes. Moreover, many undocumented immigrants have been living in the U.S. for over a decade, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.

I.Z., 28, crossed from Honduras to the U.S. at 15 and has since worked as a construction worker in Pittsburgh. He specializes in bricklaying, drywalling, and painting, but last year an employer withheld over $10,000 of his wages, claiming poor workmanship. Wage theft is a common challenge for undocumented immigrants like I.Z., according to Laura Perkins, a human rights advocate at Casa San Jose. Language barriers and paperwork further complicate job searches for immigrants, yet employers often seek out immigrant workers due to a regional labor shortage.

Carey Harris, CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh, emphasized the need for immigrant workers to address the aging population and tight labor market in Allegheny County. As immigration increases, new arrivals from countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Venezuela may help fill entry-level positions if they can overcome obstacles.

One company addressing these challenges is LSG Sky Chefs, which introduced a shuttle to transport employees to Pittsburgh International Airport. Many of their workers are Afghan and Nepali immigrants, referred by Jewish Family Community Services (JFCS). Rebecca Johnson, JFCS’s director of career services, highlighted the importance of employer support in overcoming transportation barriers.

For Afghan refugee Habibullah Arab, finding work was easy, but learning English proved difficult. However, with the help of Google Translate, Arab successfully navigated job training at Allegheny Performance Plastics and now works with minimal supervision. Despite language challenges, he remains determined to succeed in his new role.

Undocumented immigrants play a vital role in Texas’ economy, contributing significantly to job growth and public services. A 2022 report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) reveals that 1.9 million undocumented Texans paid $4.9 billion in state and local taxes. Texas, which lacks a state income tax, relies heavily on sales and property taxes, with undocumented immigrants contributing nearly $2.8 billion in sales and excise taxes and about $1.8 billion in property taxes.

The effective tax rate for undocumented Texans is 8.9%, notably higher than the 4.6% average for the state’s wealthiest residents. Texas is one of six states that generates over $1 billion in tax revenue from undocumented immigrants, averaging $2,615 per person. They also contribute to federal taxes, potentially reducing the federal deficit by $0.9 trillion over the next decade, yet they are barred from accessing benefits from the programs they fund, including Social Security and Medicare.

Many undocumented immigrants pay higher taxes than citizens due to restrictions on tax credits. Granting them legal status could raise their wages and tax contributions. If authorized to work, their annual contributions could increase by $474 million, enhancing Texas’ revenue significantly. Overall, undocumented immigrants are crucial to the economic vitality of Texas, underscoring their importance in communities across the state.