Immigration has become one of the most controversial issues in the United States in

recent years, eliciting reactions from both ends of the political spectrum. This intense
polarization re ects a complex and multifactorial evolution that has deeply shaped the
American political landscape. While America has long been a land of immigrants, the issue
of immigration has taken on a new dimension in the 21st century.

General problem: Why has immigration become so controversial in the United

States?

I. Immigration as a subject of discord

A) Endless polarization

Immigration has become deeply polarized in recent years, marking a signi cant departure
from the past. According to the American Immigration Council, in 2005, differences of
opinion between Republicans and Democrats on the issue of immigration were relatively
minor, with a gap of about 5%. However, by 2019, this difference had signi cantly
increased to 47%. Currently, 78% of Democrats view immigration as a positive
phenomenon, while only 31% of Republicans share this perspective.

This profound division on the issue of immigration has also manifested within the US
Congress, where Senate and House Republicans have proposed divergent legislation
aimed at reforming the immigration system and ending family separations. This growing
polarization re ects the tensions and complex issues related to immigration in the United
States, and it has signi cant implications for political debates and public policies in the
country.

B) A "zero tolerance" policy

The US Department of Homeland Security announced in 2018 that it had separated 2,342
children from their parents who had illegally crossed the border between the United States
and Mexico between May and June 2018. During this period, 2,206 adults were
prosecuted and detained awaiting trial. The separations and prosecutions result from a
"zero tolerance" policy on immigration in the United States.

This situation has elicited strong international reactions. Former British Prime Minister
Theresa May described the images of children "detained" in the United States as "deeply
shocking." Similarly, former French government spokesperson Benjamin Griveaux
expressed shock at these images, highlighting fundamental differences between the
models of civilization in Europe and the United States.

C) Policy under Donald Trump

Under the presidency of Donald Trump, US immigration policy underwent signi cant
changes. Trump advocated for a merit-based immigration policy and reduced the
immigration quota to historically low levels. Among the most emblematic measures of his
policy is the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border, an initiative often
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 summarized by the slogan "Build the wall." In 2017, the Trump administration also took
steps to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which had
been established to protect young immigrants who arrived in the United States as children.

These policies led to a notable reduction in the number of green cards issued. According
to data from the US Department of Homeland Security, between 2016 and 2019, the
number of green cards issued decreased from 618,000 to 462,000. This decrease had
signi cant repercussions, including contributing to a humanitarian crisis at the US borders,
where tens of thousands of families sought to enter the country.

II. Immigration should be a bipartisan political issue to address

A) The need to seek compromise

In the United States, signi cant immigration reform requires a compromise between
Republicans and Democrats. Criticisms have been leveled against the Biden
administration's handling of the border crisis, while it attributes some of the responsibility to
the previous administration. It is suggested that Republicans and Democrats work together
to develop comprehensive immigration legislation, making compromises to move beyond
the current framework of presidential decrees. This involves nding common ground to
move forward, without expecting each party to get everything they want in the legislation.

B) Collaboration between states and countries

The US government remains committed to reforming immigration, restoring asylum, and

collaborating with international partners to ensure the safety and dignity of immigrants. It
actively involves mayors and cities to maximize the impact of President Joe Biden's
proposed citizenship law, which affects 11 million undocumented immigrants, including
agricultural workers and those under temporary protection.

The US government is also collaborating with neighboring countries to combat illegal

immigration. One of the key collaborations is with the governments of El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The United States is working with these countries to
improve civil security, strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and improve
economic conditions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a more stable
and prosperous environment in these countries, thus addressing some of the root causes
of illegal immigration.

Conclusion
Immigration has become a highly controversial issue in the United States. Debates around
this issue re ect deep divisions on immigration policies, refugee acceptance, and the
treatment of undocumented immigrants. This polarization calls for collaborative efforts and
compromises among different political actors to develop fair and effective policies that
respect the dignity of individuals while addressing national security concerns.
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The United Kingdom Sends Its Migrants to Rwanda

In recent days, a measure taken by the British government has sparked controversy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has signed an agreement with Rwanda for the latter to host
asylum seekers who have arrived illegally on British territory.

Such a measure has been criticized by numerous institutions, ranging from the UN to
NGOs such as Detention Action or Care4Calais. We thus observe that a form of
international resistance is being organized to confront the Prime Minister's deemed
immoral measures.

The UK does not have all the rights

Firstly, we can observe that a portion of both national and international populations deplore
the government's decision. In response to this measure, the spiritual leaders of the
Anglican Church declared, "This immoral policy blankets the UK with shame." Thus, a
portion of public opinion seems to rally against these measures.

Moreover, even international institutions are beginning to criticize the decisions made by
the British government. Indeed, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
indicated that access to asylum should not depend on the mode of arrival in the territory.
Thus, from the people to political institutions, the government's decision is denounced at
all levels.

We can also see that beyond matters of opinion, the British government is not all-powerful
when it comes to regulating immigration. Indeed, the number of appeals against
deportations is very high. So much so that the number of migrants scheduled to leave on
June 14 dropped from 130 to 7 due to appeals. Each individual has thus been able to
confront the government's decisions, resisting, at least temporarily.

The UK is free

Despite all this, the British government has decided to implement this law and will do
everything in its power to enforce it. Boris Johnson has indeed stated that he does not
consider his law to be illegal, whether in relation to British or international law. The
government will therefore not change course anytime soon.

In addition to this, we know that the government is not alone in promoting the
implementation of this law. Indeed, the Prime Minister's voters are largely in favor of
limiting immigration and therefore support such laws. Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary,
even declared, "There will be people on these ights, and if they are not on this ight, they
will be on the next one." Such a statement shows her intention to fully enforce her law! It
must be said that the agreement with Rwanda costs the British government £120 million!
Yet another sign of the leaders' determination to enforce these laws, despite international
skepticism.
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 Furthermore, the British government is in good standing with this decision. Indeed, they
won the case in the International Court of Justice. The agreement with Rwanda is
therefore considered legal according to international law. The UK can thus enforce its law
without concern, despite the still numerous controversies.

Resistance is organizing

The international community, however, does not stop there and is organizing to confront
this controversial law. The European Court of Human Rights has thus blocked the
departure of an Iraqi by "interim emergency measure," as he was supposed to leave on
one of these ights. He will not leave until the British justice system has validated the
legality of the bill! This nal decision should be made in July.

The Care4Calais association therefore hopes to be able to use this same method to block
the departure of as many migrants as possible. International associations and institutions
are thus nding solutions to block the government's action.

In addition to this, we can see that associations defending migrants are doing everything
possible to allow displaced individuals to remain on British territory once they have arrived.
The Care4Calais association thus explains to migrants still in France, who are preparing to
leave for the UK, how they should protect themselves in the face of British law. They
explain how to get a lawyer and le an appeal so that they are not too easily rejected once
in Great Britain. Thus, we see that a real standoff is taking place between the British
government and international institutions regarding this immigration law.
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Hispanic Immigration to the USA: An Overview

To provide some context:

In 2020, the Hispanic population in the United States exceeded 59 million inhabitants, with
approximately 62% coming from Mexico. The countries ranking second and third were two
Caribbean nations: Puerto Rico and Cuba.

It's worth mentioning that the Caribbean-origin population represents over 16.5% of the
total Hispanic population residing in the North American country.

Before diving in, take a quick look at the immigration vocabulary.

Key Figures on the Latino Community in the United States:

There are 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, most without a
clear path to regularize their status.

There are 34 million legal immigrants living in the United States.

Latinos represent the largest ethnic minority in the country (18% of the population). It is
expected to reach 119 million (28%) by 2060.

34.2% of Latinos living in the United States are immigrants, while 65.8% were born in the
country.

9.2% of voters in the last election were of Latino origin.

1.2 million Latinos are or have been part of the United States armed forces.

19.4% of Latinos live below the poverty line.

16% of Latinos do not have health insurance.

A Loss of Hispanic Identity: Consequence of Integration or a Means to Escape

Discrimination?

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, Hispanic identity in the United
States is narrowing: 11% of Hispanics renounce their Latino roots; they do not consider
themselves Hispanic or Latino.

How is Hispanic identity lost across generations?

Using the name of the home country to describe oneself: while two-thirds of Latino
immigrants most often use the name of their home country to describe themselves, this
proportion drops to 26% among third-generation Latinos living in the United States.

Language usage: half of children of immigrant parents speak both English and Spanish,
but this bilingualism drops to 26% for grandchildren of Hispanic immigrants. Conversely,
English dominance increases across generations.

Loss of Hispanic cultural activities: the number of Hispanic cultural activities experienced
by Hispanic Americans decreases across generations.

Is this loss a consequence of integration or a means of escaping discrimination?

Integration

→ Mixed marriages: while 93% of rst-generation Hispanic immigrants married someone

like them, born in Latin America or Spain, this percentage drops to 35% among third-
generation Hispanics now living in the United States.

→ The Pew analysis also acknowledges that while Hispanic identity dilutes across
generations, the Latino population in absolute terms in the United States continues to
increase.

Discrimination: These individuals' identity also affects the perception of discrimination by

American citizens → 78% of Hispanics who identify as such have experienced some form
of exclusion on American soil due to their Latin American or Spanish origin. In contrast,
only 7% of American Hispanics who do not identify as such indicate any form of
marginalization.

If you want to study the consequences of immigration on the labor market, take a look at
this article!

More: Is Immigration a Threat to the Labor Market?

Being Undocumented in the United States: A Perspective of a Better Life or the Beginning
of New Challenges?

Undocumented immigration is emblematic of deep divisions in the United States.

The prospect of a better life compared to life in their home country: more opportunities, the
possibility of sending remittances to their family, starting over.

But also, the beginning of new dif culties, especially since the election of Trump.
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 Fear of the police: They cannot leave the city where they live because it is surrounded by
security checkpoints, and they fear being arrested and deported. Sometimes, their families
live hundreds of miles away and cannot see them.

They are considered criminals: Entering the United States without papers is a crime. Thus,
someone who is in the country without a valid permit could be breaking the law.

They do not have the rights of a citizen: Becoming a U.S. citizen is a complicated process;
current legislation makes it virtually impossible for someone who entered the country
irregularly to obtain legal permanent residence.

Trump's misinformation does not facilitate integration: According to Trump, "illegal

immigrants infest this country through the border," but contrary to popular belief, in recent
years, the majority of undocumented immigrants have come to the USA with a tourist visa,
not by illegally crossing the border. And the number of undocumented immigrants in the
country has dropped "drastically" every year since 2008, according to the migration
analysis center.

Revocation of DACA: There are approximately one million undocumented immigrants with
temporary authorization to live and work in the country under the Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs. In the case
of DACA, however, its future remains uncertain after the Trump administration's decision to
revoke it.

There are few solutions for regularization: marrying a U.S. citizen or a green card holder,
being a victim or witness of a crime, or seeking asylum.

What about Spain?

More: The New Immigration Law in Spain

Latinos in the United States: Has Discrimination Increased or Is It Now More Visible?

Discrimination against Latinos, as well as African Americans, is widespread in various

elds and industries.

Last January, an encouraging fact was known: unemployment among members of this
community reached its historic low, 4.7%, after several years of sustained decline.

The Latino Community Headcount in the United States:

Today, 18% of the American population is of Latino origin, and this gure is expected to
reach 28.6% by 2060.

Latinos who perceive discrimination against their community in the United States:
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78%: Yes

20%: No

2%: Don't know

The main cause of discrimination, according to Latinos:

37%: Laws and public policies

47%: Individual prejudices

14%: Both equally (these two reasons)

Situations in which Latinos feel discriminated against:

When looking for a job

Regarding wages and promotion opportunities

For a rental or home purchase

During contact with the police

When going to the doctor

At University

When voting or participating in political life

Hostile attitudes and actions against Latinos have become more visible and common.

"I'm not sure that discrimination has worsened. But hostile attitudes and actions against
Latinos have certainly become more visible and common," said political scientist Vladimir
E. Medenica, a researcher at the University of Chicago.