The Issue:

Politicians including Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are talking about our country’s policies toward immigrant people. Each year immigrants from other countries enter the United States both legally and illegally.  Many people cross through the border that divides the United States from Mexico.  Some people welcome immigrants and believe they contribute to our culture and economy.  But other people think that there are too many immigrants and they are taking away housing and employment from people already living in the United States.  There are many immigrants in our local community so understanding this issue is very important.  

What do the candidates say?

According to this article from the Fresno Bee article, Kamala Harris believes that immigrants should receive support from the country. She understands that immigrants travel to the United States to have a better life than in their native country. This issue is personal to Vice President Harris because her parents, Donald J. Harris and Shyamala Gopalan Harris, traveled to the United States to escape the tyranny of their countries.  But like many Americans, Vice President Harris believes that the immigration system needs to be improved.  According to her official website, “[Harris] knows that our immigration system is broken and needs comprehensive reform that includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.”

Former President Trump has a different point of view. He asserts that Biden’s border measures were not very good since they do not guarantee better security for people who live near the border.  Mr. Trump would reduce the number of immigrants allowed into the country.  He would also seek to deport many people who are here illegally.  According to his website, “In cooperative states, President Trump will deputize the National Guard and local law enforcement to assist with rapidly removing illegal alien gang members and criminals.”  He would also build 450 miles of a new wall along the southern border with Mexico.  

Local Perspectives:

1- Do you think immigrants are a problem for the U.S?

Denis says that the Immigrants are not a problem to the U.S because they come in just to work hard.

2- What do you think will happen if Trump or Harris win the election 2025 with the immigration issues? 

Aponte’s opinion is that if Harris wins, the immigration issue will become worse than it is and if Trump wins the things are going to change and it will have stability with the immigration issues.

3- If you had the opportunity, what would you do to fix this problem?

Ms. Lorenzo says that we have to give immigrant students talks to motivate them to make good things and take all the opportunities that this country gives.