Week of September 29–30, 2024

The hatred directed at immigrants in Alabama is frustrating and unfounded. Politicians rarely defend immigration as essential to our nation, allowing fear and prejudice to dominate the discussion. Immigrants make up only 4% of Alabama's population, yet they contribute significantly to the state’s economy, workforce, and communities. Contrary to some claims, immigrants are no more likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.

Alabama officials, influenced by former President Trump, have spread misinformation about immigrants, especially Haitians. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth falsely claimed immigrants increase HIV rates, and Attorney General Steve Marshall implied Haitian immigrants lead to crime without evidence. This targeting of the Haitian community echoes a long history of discriminatory policies, from denying asylum to holding them under harsh conditions in Guantanamo Bay.

Scapegoating immigrants incites violence and damages communities. In Ohio, anti-immigrant rhetoric led to bomb threats in schools and hospitals. Here in Alabama, it causes fear in immigrant communities. Yet, immigrants bring economic benefits, paying billions in taxes and creating jobs.

Rather than fueling baseless fears, officials should address real issues like housing and school capacity for growing communities. In declining rural areas, immigrants could keep schools open and improve access to healthcare. Welcoming immigrants could revitalize Alabama’s economy and build stronger communities. Embracing immigration makes Alabama better; demonizing immigrants only holds it back.

At a Sunday rally in Las Vegas, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump’s immigration stance, accusing him of fueling fear and division. Harris, speaking at the World Market Center two weeks after Trump’s rally at the same venue, condemned his anti-immigrant rhetoric and warned of the risks of a second Trump term.

Harris highlighted that immigration is a priority for voters, citing recent UnidosUS polling in battleground states showing support for citizenship pathways and border security reforms. She asserted that Trump “won’t solve” immigration issues and criticized his promise of mass deportations if re-elected. Harris also referenced a recent bipartisan immigration bill that stalled, claiming Trump opposed it for political gain.

Harris emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, including border security and pathways to citizenship, especially for long-time residents and Dreamers. She also linked Trump to the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” describing it as a dangerous conservative agenda.

In addition to immigration, Harris addressed affordable housing, proposing economic measures like a $25,000 down payment aid for homebuyers, small business tax breaks, and parental support. She contrasted her vision of an “opportunity economy” with Trump’s attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which he has yet to replace with a detailed alternative. Harris’s rally drew an estimated 7,500 attendees, surpassing Trump’s recent event in Las Vegas.

New immigration data released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become a focal point in the U.S. presidential race, with Republicans arguing that the Biden administration is allowing migrants with serious criminal records to remain in the country. The data, which was provided to Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, indicates that as of July, 662,556 people under ICE’s supervision were either convicted of crimes or facing criminal charges. However, most of these individuals—647,572—are not detained by ICE. Among them are those convicted of serious crimes, including homicide and assault, though many also face lesser charges like traffic violations.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that these figures span decades, covering multiple administrations, not just the Biden administration. Many individuals listed are detained by state or local agencies rather than ICE. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that these numbers should not be misinterpreted, as they include individuals awaiting court outcomes or who cannot be deported because their home countries refuse to take them back.

Critics argue that ICE lacks the resources and legal authority to detain or deport everyone with a criminal record. The number of individuals under ICE supervision has doubled since Biden took office, but the agency’s capacity to hold detainees remains capped at around 41,500. For many, deportation is complex or unfeasible, especially when their countries of origin are uncooperative.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently responded to Rep. Tony Gonzalez’s (R‑TX) inquiry on the number of noncitizen criminals awaiting deportation. The data has stirred political debate, with former President Trump and others misrepresenting key facts. One misconception is that ICE has released 13,099 homicide-convicted migrants freely within the U.S. However, these individuals are mostly incarcerated in state or federal prisons and are only classified as “non-detained” by ICE, meaning they are not held in ICE facilities. Upon completing their sentences, these individuals are transferred to ICE for deportation.

Another misunderstanding is that migrants are released without oversight, which is untrue. Most who completed their sentences but are not deported are from countries lacking repatriation agreements, such as Cuba or Venezuela. These agreements are essential as foreign governments are not required to accept deportees.

Further, the claim that all 13,099 homicide convictions are recent is incorrect. These cases span over 40 years, and many convictions are from crimes committed outside the U.S. Overall, ICE’s data does not suggest that noncitizen criminals are more likely to commit homicide than U.S. citizens. In fact, the percentage of homicides committed by undocumented immigrants is lower than their share of the population. ICE’s data reflect complexities in immigration enforcement and require careful interpretation to avoid misleading conclusions.

In Springfield, Ohio, national debates on immigration have spotlighted the new Haitian population. The discourse is polarized, with “hawks” labeling these arrivals as “illegal” and “doves” arguing they hold legal protections. However, the actual policies governing their status reveal a more complex picture that doesn't fully fit into either category.

Haitians in the U.S. often occupy a middle ground of “liminal legality.” Many arrived through Biden administration programs like the CHNV, which grants temporary, two-year protection with work eligibility but no guarantee of renewal. Others have entered through the CBP One app, designed to manage asylum requests at U.S. ports of entry, an important pathway for Haitians seeking safety. Additionally, recent adjustments to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allow Haitians already in the U.S. to apply for deportation protections and work permits.

This temporary legal framework, however, places Haitians at the mercy of future presidential policies. The latest TPS designation for Haiti expires in 2026, leaving the possibility that a new administration could end it, as the Trump administration previously attempted. Without a permanent path to residency, TPS recipients face an uncertain future in the U.S., contingent on decisions made every two years. Ultimately, the debate over their “legality” misses the crucial issue: these individuals lack long-term security and control over their fate in the country.

Illegal immigration has been central to Donald Trump’s platform, but Democrats are now also focusing on border security to address voter concerns. Trump has criticized Kamala Harris, alleging without evidence that she allowed 21 million illegal entries. While crossings peaked under Biden, they’ve recently decreased, with Harris vowing stricter asylum measures. According to Pew Research, six in ten Americans rate immigration as a key election issue, and some polling suggests voters trust Trump more on it.

Under Biden, the U.S. has seen over 10 million encounters at the border, compared to 2.4 million during Trump’s term. Encounters include people attempting both legal and illegal entry, but they don’t represent unique individuals, as some try multiple times. Though Trump and Biden both used a pandemic measure to quickly expel migrants, factors like post-lockdown surges and instability in other countries drove increased crossings. Republican critics argue Biden’s policies encouraged migration, and a bipartisan security bill recently failed.

In response, Biden issued an executive order for swift deportations, contributing to a drop in encounters. Mexico has also aided, increasing patrols and checkpoints. Most migrants are from the Americas, with a rise in arrivals from countries like Venezuela. Despite Trump’s claims, there’s no evidence that Venezuela is systematically sending prisoners to the U.S., and crime in Venezuela has decreased for unrelated reasons. Although some migrants have criminal records, this data doesn’t support Trump’s assertion of mass crime influx.

Donald Trump intensified his anti-immigration rhetoric at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, as part of his ongoing campaign for the 2024 election. Speaking for nearly two hours, Trump repeatedly referred to certain categories of immigrants as “vicious,” highlighting violent crimes without providing new policy proposals. Trump believes that immigration remains a crucial issue for voters, potentially more influential than the economy, and frequently links undocumented immigrants to serious crimes. Despite evidence showing undocumented immigrants don’t commit crimes at higher rates than U.S.-born citizens, Trump’s narrative portrayed them as a threat.

Trump's speech reflected themes from his previous campaigns, echoing his 2015 remarks when he accused Mexico of sending criminals to the U.S. Notably, Trump refrained from repeating a debunked claim about Haitian immigrants in Ohio but did reference an influx of immigrants, including Haitians, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania remains central to Trump’s strategy, being one of the most critical battleground states. Erie County, which voted for Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020, is especially contested. Both Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris are investing heavily in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the state’s pivotal role. Trump’s next rally in the state is scheduled for Oct. 5 in Butler, where he will aim to rally support in a state that could decide the election.

among Maui’s undocumented community, potentially impacting their willingness to seek aid as they recover from last year’s devastating wildfires. Veronica Mendoza Jachowski, co-founder of Maui Roots Reborn, expressed concerns that the detention is undoing trust her organization has worked hard to establish between immigrants and government agencies.

The detained individual, a client of Roots Reborn, sparked fear that has spread through the community. According to Jachowski, many areas where immigrants usually gather were empty following the news. Over 100 clients texted the organization expressing their fears, while some, like Merin Mendoza, are avoiding public spaces altogether, highlighting the community’s anxiety.

The presence of ICE could have a chilling effect on wildfire survivors seeking essential services, especially those who are undocumented. Immigrants already face challenges accessing aid due to language barriers, lost documentation, and fear of government entities like FEMA, despite assurances that their information won’t be used for immigration enforcement.

The incident may also reduce turnout at community events. A recent wellness fair led by the University of Hawaii, aimed at supporting wildfire survivors, saw a lower-than-expected attendance from Hispanic community members, attributed largely to fear of detainment. Advocates fear this atmosphere of mistrust will further hinder recovery efforts for an already vulnerable population.

The City of Fort Smith issued a statement refuting social media rumors suggesting it is bringing illegal immigrants into the area or incentivizing their relocation. These claims circulated after a Facebook post from a Fort Smith realtor described a flight with non-English-speaking men wearing new clothes, implying they were migrants. This post, shared widely, also fueled beliefs that the city offers $10,000 incentives for migrants, which the city denies.

In reality, Fort Smith does offer incentives for remote workers under the MakeMyMove program, approved in March, with a $224,175 budget. The program aims to attract U.S. remote workers who meet strict screening and background check requirements. Those who buy or rent homes in Fort Smith receive incentives, with an average participant income of $110,000.

The city clarified the presence of legally authorized migrant workers from Thomas Carnival, Inc., who were flown in for the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair. Additionally, agricultural workers from Agrico Labor participate in the H-2A visa program, undergoing rigorous U.S. government screening.

Fort Smith also noted that Canopy NWA, a nonprofit, resettled vetted refugee families under a federal program unrelated to the city. Arkansas law prohibits sanctuary cities, and Fort Smith reiterated it is not one. The city urged residents to seek accurate information and avoid spreading rumors that misrepresent legal, hardworking residents.

Former President Donald Trump recently delivered a speech in Erie County, Pennsylvania, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s handling of immigration. Trump claimed Harris would “overwhelm” Pennsylvania towns with undocumented immigrants if she wins the 2024 election. He called for her impeachment and prosecution, accusing her of neglecting national security at the southern border.

Addressing approximately 2,500 attendees at the Bayfront Convention Center, Trump emphasized immigration as a major issue affecting the entire country. He highlighted recent ICE data, indicating an increase in criminal crossings, which he attributed to lax border policies. Trump specifically mentioned Charleroi, a small Pennsylvania town that has reportedly absorbed over 2,000 immigrants, primarily from Haiti, significantly impacting the community’s demographics.

Trump’s re-election campaign rally in Erie was his second visit since launching his bid. He previously visited Erie Insurance Arena in July 2023. Erie County, a historically Democratic area that backed Barack Obama twice before shifting to Trump in 2016, returned to support Joe Biden narrowly in 2020. Trump’s speech aimed to reclaim Erie’s support by focusing on immigration concerns.

Looking ahead, Trump announced a return to Butler, Pennsylvania. As he referenced immigration statistics during his speech, audience members cheered in agreement. He recounted a past close call with an assailant in Butler, crediting a document with saving his life.

Canada’s immigration policies have historically been viewed positively, with growing immigrant intake since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office in 2015. By 2025, Canada aims to welcome 500,000 immigrants annually. However, recent polling shows a shift in public sentiment, with fewer Canadians supporting high immigration levels due to concerns over housing and economic strain.

Canada’s population grew significantly in 2023, driven largely by immigrants and temporary residents, such as international students and workers. This influx, projected to bring the population to 62.8 million by 2074, has intensified housing demands, with home prices soaring 90% from 2010 to 2022, making Canada one of the world’s least affordable housing markets. Consequently, the Trudeau government faces criticism for inadequate housing and healthcare infrastructure.

In response, Canada plans to lower the proportion of temporary residents and student visas by 2027, addressing economic pressures exacerbated by immigration. Though seen as necessary, these measures raise concerns about possible xenophobia and Canada’s legacy of controversial immigration laws, such as the 1885 Chinese Head Tax and Quebec’s Law 21, which restricts religious symbols for public employees.

Should former U.S. President Donald Trump win a second term, Canada may also experience increased migration pressure from immigrants fleeing U.S. deportations. Thus, Canada’s balancing act between welcoming immigrants and addressing domestic challenges continues to evolve amid changing social and economic landscapes.

The ongoing border crisis and surge in illegal immigration remain pressing concerns for American voters ahead of November elections. The Biden-Harris administration, led by Vice President Kamala Harris as "Border Czar," and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, argue that the solution lies in a Senate bill introduced last year. Harris blames former President Trump for blocking the bill, claiming he wanted to use the issue politically.

Despite these assertions, the bill, criticized for codifying existing policies rather than curbing illegal immigration, primarily aims to process and release migrants more efficiently without addressing security concerns. Key issues with the bill include: supporting "catch-and-release" policies, failing to restrict misuse of parole authority, allowing asylum seekers entry before screening, and setting non-binding 90-day asylum processing goals. It also includes provisions that benefit NGOs and sanctuary jurisdictions, potentially incentivizing more illegal immigration.

The bill’s promise of "expulsion authority" for illegal entrants is limited, triggering only when daily apprehensions exceed 5,000, and would sunset after three years. Additionally, the bill lacked true bipartisan support, securing votes from only a few moderate Republicans, and failing to advance twice in the Senate.

Republicans favor H.R. 2, a House-passed bill advocating stricter border controls and asylum reforms. However, Senate Democrats have blocked it, prioritizing their bill instead. This political standoff continues, with real border reform unresolved.

Over the past year, immigration has remained a pressing issue in the U.S. and Europe, dominating political and economic conversations. Although migrant numbers at the U.S. border have decreased, challenges persist, with the undocumented population reaching 14 million and foreign-born residents now making up over 14% of the total population—the highest since the early 1900s. The influx has strained resources, with towns like Springfield, Ohio, seeing rent hikes and rising costs due to a large number of Haitian asylum seekers. This increased demand has also stretched health care providers, prompting Ohio's Governor to pledge $2.5 million in support, though local taxpayers continue to bear a significant burden.

Similar pressures are felt nationwide. In New York City, the projected cost of supporting new immigrants over the next three years stands at $12 billion, leading to cuts in public services. Europe faces even greater challenges, with 29 million migrants arriving over the past decade. Public concerns about security and integration have sparked unrest, particularly in the U.K., while Europe’s extensive welfare systems struggle under the weight of the new arrivals.

Despite these challenges, legal immigration remains essential to counter declining birth rates and sustain economic growth. Smart immigration policies focusing on legal avenues and integration are crucial for the U.S. and Europe as they confront aging populations and shrinking tax bases.

Utahns must guard against the divisive national political climate that fosters hostility toward immigrants. Utah was founded by refugees and has a history of welcoming diverse communities. Although Utah is predominantly Republican, its leaders have often stood against the national party’s harsh stance on immigration. However, recent rhetoric in the GOP has intensified xenophobia, spreading lies about immigrants and inciting fear.

Governor Spencer Cox, following Governor Gary Herbert’s example, had embraced Utah’s welcoming tradition, even advocating for Utah to sponsor immigrants to support its labor needs. Yet, Cox has recently shifted to support the GOP's "build-the-wall" stance, even sending Utah National Guard troops to the Texas-Mexico border.

Anti-immigrant sentiments have begun to impact Utah politics more visibly. Recently, State Rep. Trevor Lee’s social media post about a local Muslim observance in Taylorsville ignited Islamophobic comments, highlighting the influence of national hostility on local attitudes.

While America faces challenges with illegal migration, immigrants contribute significantly to the economy. Utah's foreign-born residents paid billions in taxes and possess substantial spending power, supporting industries like healthcare, construction, and hospitality. The claim that undocumented workers don’t pay taxes is false—they contribute via withheld wages, property taxes, and sales taxes.

Addressing immigration requires reforming the legal system, not hostility. Utah, once a beacon of humane immigration policies, could lead the nation again if its leaders rise to honor its history.

Immigration to the United States remains a key topic of national debate. A new report by Analysis Group, a leading economic consulting firm, highlights the significant impact immigrants have on U.S. entrepreneurship, innovation, and productivity. The report, titled The Economic Impact of Immigration on the United States, draws on data and research to demonstrate how immigrants contribute to the nation's economic growth, technological advancements, and capacity for innovation.

Key findings include that immigrants make up a vital part of the workforce, participating in various occupations and contributing $3.3 trillion to the U.S. GDP in 2021. Immigrant entrepreneurs generate substantial sales, with 3.2 million immigrant business owners driving $1.3 trillion in revenue. Immigrants are also key innovators, accounting for 25% of the economic value created by patents in U.S. companies between 1990 and 2016. Furthermore, foreign-born scientists and engineers have been instrumental in winning Nobel Prizes, representing 40% of those awarded in Chemistry, Medicine, and Physics since 2000.

The report also finds no evidence linking immigration to higher crime rates, with studies suggesting that immigration can reduce violent crime over time. Additionally, immigrants have a net positive fiscal impact, with one study showing a $259,000 fiscal benefit per immigrant over their lifetime. The report aims to provide evidence for a more informed, non-partisan discourse on immigration's role in the U.S. economy.