U.S. President Trump has revived immigration tactics from his first term, declaring an emergency at the southern border while addressing migration as an ‘invasion’. This policy shift heavily impacts Latin America, with significant numbers of migrants and undocumented individuals affected. AS/COA is tracking these developments, including new initiatives and potential impacts on Venezuelan migration.
On January 31, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized immigration as a significant focus for his second term, declaring a national emergency at the southern border and labeling migration as an “invasion.” This initiative was highlighted early in his tenure and was a prominent aspect of his 2024 presidential campaign, where 15 percent of voters identified migration as a critical national issue, second only to inflation, according to YouGov data.
Trump’s migration policies will predominantly affect Latin America, given that over half of the U.S. foreign-born population, approximately 24.5 million, originates from this region. Furthermore, Latin Americans represent about 77 percent of the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the U.S., according to Pew Research Center statistics.
During his first term, Trump implemented policies that held Latin American governments accountable for deterring migration and accepting deportees. In his second term, he is reinvigorating these strategies, including efforts to end birthright citizenship through a reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment. Additionally, he has signaled intentions to impose punitive measures on countries that do not comply with his deportation requests.
AS/COA Online is actively tracking Trump’s initiatives regarding migration and trade within Latin America, including identifying recent government actions and analyzing how they differ from previous strategies. Anticipating the impact on Venezuelans amidst election fraud, AS/COA is also observing potential legal migration pathways in the region.
Furthermore, Trump has enacted directives aimed at militarizing the U.S. border, identifying cartels as terrorist organizations, and reducing foreign aid. AS/COA is also examining the records of various U.S. presidential candidates concerning Latin American issues, speculating on their future approaches to immigration and trade policies. The article highlights vital U.S. policies that affect Latin American migrants and asylum seekers, including Title 42 and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
In summary, U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on immigration in his second term is primarily directed at Latin America, with a significant emphasis on policy enforcement and regional cooperation against migration. His strategies, including militarization of borders and potential punitive measures against non-compliant nations, echo prior tactics. AS/COA continues to monitor these developments, as they bear considerable consequences for the Latin American emigrant population and the U.S. immigration landscape.
Original Source: www.as-coa.org
