As the national conversation on immigration intensifies, current Republican candidate for president Donald Trump focuses on simplistic solutions such as border security, mass deportations, and merit-based immigration systems. While these policies may sound appealing to those concerned with national security, they often ignore the complexities of immigration, breaking up families, hurting communities, and closing doors for many who seek a better life.

The Focus on Border Security

At the heart of Trump’s immigration policy is a strict focus on border security, particularly symbolized by his infamous campaign to build a border wall. While this approach resonates with some Americans who believe it will reduce illegal immigration, it overlooks the broader and more complex drivers of migration. Many immigrants are fleeing extreme conditions such as economic hardship, gang violence, political instability, and environmental disasters. A hardline border security approach that solely emphasizes enforcement fails to address these root causes.

Instead of investing heavily in militarizing the border, a more comprehensive solution would involve addressing these crises at their source, through international cooperation, aid, and development programs. By neglecting to understand the reasons why people risk everything to seek safety and opportunity in the United States, Trump’s policies are unlikely to reduce migration pressures in a meaningful way.

The Human Cost of Mass Deportations

Mass deportations were another cornerstone of Trump’s immigration agenda. The administration ramped up arrests of undocumented immigrants and executed aggressive removal orders, including the deportation of those who had lived in the U.S. for decades. While proponents of mass deportations argue that it is necessary to enforce the rule of law, critics contend that it leads to devastating consequences for families and communities.

In many cases, deportations result in the separation of families, often leaving behind U.S.-born children. The emotional and financial toll on these families can be catastrophic. Furthermore, immigrants are critical to various sectors of the U.S. economy, from agriculture to construction to service industries. Removing these workers en masse creates labor shortages, disrupts communities, and hurts businesses that rely on immigrant labor.

Additionally, human rights advocates have raised serious concerns about the treatment of immigrants during the deportation process. Reports of inhumane conditions in detention centers and the mistreatment of detainees reflect broader systemic issues within U.S. immigration enforcement, leading many to argue that mass deportations violate fundamental human rights.

Merit-Based Immigration: Who Benefits?

Trump’s push for merit-based immigration represents a shift from the traditional family-based system to one that favors skilled workers. On the surface, this may seem like a reasonable approach, as it prioritizes immigrants with skills that could directly contribute to the U.S. economy. However, a merit-based system disproportionately favors those who are highly educated or wealthy, leaving behind those fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution.

Refugees and asylum seekers, who often do not have the luxury of acquiring advanced degrees or financial resources, could be denied entry under this system. Critics argue that a merit-based approach undermines the United States’ long-standing commitment to providing refuge to those in need. By privileging wealth and education, this policy risks further marginalizing vulnerable populations who seek safety and opportunity in the U.S. but do not meet the criteria of a merit-based immigration system.

A Path Forward: Comprehensive Reform

Trump’s policies on immigration, while intended to prioritize security and efficiency, fail to address the human and social realities of migration. Border security, mass deportations, and merit-based immigration may offer a semblance of control, but they overlook the complexities of why people migrate and the contributions that immigrants make to the country. A more humane and effective immigration policy would focus on comprehensive reform, addressing the root causes of migration, creating pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and ensuring that the U.S. remains a place of refuge and opportunity for all.

We believe that America’s strength lies in its diversity and its history of welcoming immigrants from all walks of life. We will continue to advocate for policies that uphold human rights, keep families together, and create opportunities for those seeking a better life.

Immigration is not a threat—it is an opportunity for growth, innovation, and compassion.