As the November 5, 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric has taken a notable shift towards more intense and graphic language regarding immigration. This change in tone has become particularly evident since August 2024, with the former president's speeches increasingly focusing on border security and portraying migrants in a controversial light.
At a recent campaign event on September 27, 2024, at a Michigan manufacturing plant, Trump devoted a significant portion of his speech to discussing border security, despite the event being initially billed as an address on the local economy. The former president made unsubstantiated claims about migrants committing violent crimes, using vivid and alarming language to describe alleged incidents.
It's important to note that the U.S. has a long and complex history with immigration. The U.S.-Mexico border, which is often at the center of these discussions, spans approximately 1,954 miles. The country has implemented various immigration policies over the years, including the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished national-origin quotas, and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which granted amnesty to about 2.7 million undocumented immigrants.
Critics argue that Trump's rhetoric is becoming increasingly dehumanizing and may be exploiting racial stereotypes to gain political support. Vanessa Cardenas, executive director of America's Voice, stated:
"His rhetoric is becoming more cruel, more dehumanizing, with the goal of stirring anger and hate. It is painting a whole population as subhuman."
Supporters of Trump, however, view his focus on immigration as addressing key issues that resonate with many voters. The Trump campaign spokesperson, Anna Kelly, defended the former president's stance:
"President Trump is fighting to ensure that no other family endures the tragedy of losing a child at the hands of an illegal immigrant, and only he will make America safe again."
It's worth noting that the United States has the largest immigrant population in the world, with about 50.6 million as of 2022. The country has a long history of immigration policies, including the establishment of the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2002 in response to the 9/11 attacks.
Studies have consistently shown that immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans. However, a recent poll by KFF indicated that 80% of Americans surveyed had heard false statements about migrants leading to an increase in violent crime, and 53% of independent voters believed these claims were "definitely true or probably true."
As the election draws closer, it remains to be seen how Trump's evolving rhetoric on immigration will impact voter perceptions and the overall political landscape. The debate surrounding immigration continues to be a complex and contentious issue in American politics, with roots dating back to the country's founding and policies that have shaped its demographic makeup for generations.