As the debate over immigration continues, Trump is finally ready to make a concession: allow a path to citizenship for DREAMers. But of course, this compromise is too good to be true. There are three other components that run exactly in line with Trump's anti-immigration agenda including building a wall on the Mexico border, "banning US citizens from sponsoring their adult children, parents, and siblings for green cards", and calling a end to the diversity lottery. In fact these other components will have a much larger impact than allowing the DREAMers a path to citizenship, and immigration is expected to drop by at least 40% if Trump's agenda ever makes it through the Senate. Interestingly enough, after examining a variety of polls from different political leanings, it is universally acknowledged that the vast majority of Americans support the DREAM Act and oppose building a wall. Trump is yet again ignoring the voice of not only Americans, but even his own political party, and it is unlikely that the legislation will make it through Senate, as there will be serious push back. Read the full article here.
Anti-Immigration Reform
Decline in tourism to U.S. since Trump took office /
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, nearly 700,000 fewer tourists came to the U.S. in the first three months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. This decline resulted in an approximate economic loss to the U.S. of $2.7 billion. While this loss of interest in visiting the U.S. may be based on multiple factors, it’s hard to ignore that it coincides with Trump’s anti-immigrant polices, rhetoric, and polls that show fewer people around the world have a favorable view of the U.S. since Trump took office.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
Dreamers for Dollars? /
In a cynical and cruel move, many of Trump’s aides have urged him to allow children in the United States under DACA to remain here as a "bargaining chip" to try to secure funding for Trump’s unnecessary wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Even Trump’s own supporters (over 70%) think Dreamers should stay in the U.S. and yet the fear always remains that Trump will cave in to the worst anti-immigrant elements of his base and eventually sacrifice the hard-working Dreamers who have lived almost their entire lives in the U.S. Read the full article here.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
Failure to pay light rail fare results in deportation proceedings. /
Sure, the gentleman described in this article in the New York Times , should pay a fine for failing to pay his light rail fare. But, does anyone really believe deporting this person accomplishes anything other than appeasing extreme and hysterical anti-immigrant sentiments?
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
Ineffective in most areas, Trump has succeeded in attacking immigrants in his first 100 days. /
BAKKEN LAW: Trump has been one of the least effective presidents early in his first term when it comes to tangible legislative and policy results. However, he has been extremely effective at creating a climate of fear and anxiety in immigrant communities as well as in businesses and industries that rely on immigrants. Read this CNN article about Trump's first 100 days here.
Time will tell if this anti-immigrant tone and approach will translate to comprehensive changes in the law. At the very least, it seems likely that the United States under Trump will be less welcoming to, and provide less opportunities for, immigrants whether they seek to enter the U.S. to protect their lives, to support their families, or to contribute positively in all the ways immigrants have for centuries.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder