U.S. President Donald Trump, in his second term, emphasizes aggressive immigration policies, declaring migration a national emergency. He targets Latin American nations, pushing for increased responsibilities regarding migration. AS/COA is monitoring these changes and their implications for U.S.-Latin America relations, including trade and military measures against cartels.
On January 31, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a more aggressive immigration policy during his second term, declaring a national emergency at the southern border. He categorized migration as “an invasion,” a significant theme of his 2024 presidential campaign where migration was a vital issue for 15 percent of voters, according to YouGov.
Trump’s immigration strategies are poised to greatly affect Latin America, which comprises over half of the U.S. foreign-born population, totaling about 24.5 million individuals, as per 2023 census data. Additionally, Latin Americans account for approximately 77 percent of the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.
Throughout his first term (2017-2021), Trump implemented policies that compelled Latin American governments to manage migration more effectively and accept deportees. In his second term, not only is he reinstating these measures, but he is also intensifying them. His administration aims to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to invalidate birthright citizenship and threaten punitive actions against countries refusing to cooperate on deportation matters.
AS/COA Online is actively tracking Trump’s immigration policies, including his latest initiatives and campaign promises, to illustrate the distinctions from his first term’s actions. The impact of his policies extends beyond immigration, also affecting trade relations with the region.
In the context of ongoing political turmoil, thousands of Venezuelans are anticipated to flee their country following fraudulent elections in July. The U.S. has taken steps such as militarizing the border, considering designating cartels as terrorist organizations, and reducing foreign aid. Furthermore, AS/COA is examining the U.S. presidential candidates’ past records on regional issues, specifically regarding immigration and trade, in preparation for the upcoming elections.
In summary, President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration during his second term signals a continuation and escalation of previous policies, particularly those targeting Latin America. The implications of these policies significantly impact the migration landscape and the responsibilities of Latin American nations. Additionally, upcoming elections will bring scrutiny to U.S. candidates’ stances on trade and immigration-related issues, shaping future relations in the region.
Original Source: www.as-coa.org
