Trump vs. Harris: Immigration Policy Showdown and Implications for the U.S.

On September 10, 2024, a crucial debate took place in Pennsylvania between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, marking their first direct confrontation following President Biden’s announcement to step down. As expected, immigration emerged as a central issue in their discussions, underscoring the stark differences in their respective visions for the future of U.S. immigration policy.

U.S. Immigration Law: Past and Present

For years, immigration has been a polarizing issue in U.S. politics. The Biden-Harris administration took a more comprehensive approach, focusing on addressing root causes like poverty and violence in Central America, while balancing border security. This was in direct contrast to the Trump administration's hardline tactics, which prioritized building border walls and increasing deportations.

Trump’s Immigration Policy: A National Security Focus

Throughout the debate, Trump returned to his familiar narrative of portraying immigration as a national security threat. His rhetoric included false claims about immigrants contributing to crime and harming U.S. communities, particularly in Ohio—claims that were debunked by fact-checkers during the debate. Still, Trump’s argument was centered on the notion that the Biden-Harris administration had failed to secure the border, positioning himself as the candidate who would restore control.

If re-elected, Trump’s immigration policy would likely continue in the same vein as his previous administration. He reiterated his commitment to reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" program, restricting asylum claims, and cracking down on undocumented immigrants. His vision involves reducing the number of immigrants entering the U.S. through strict deterrent measures such as more border barriers and enhanced deportation efforts.

Harris’s Immigration Policy: A Humanitarian Approach

In contrast, Harris took a more humanitarian approach to the immigration crisis, emphasizing the need to address the reasons people migrate. She highlighted how reducing poverty, violence, and corruption in countries like those in Central America would help alleviate migration pressures at the source. Harris pointed to the limitations of Trump’s border-centric solutions, underscoring the need for comprehensive immigration reform that includes both border security and the creation of legal immigration pathways.

Harris’s immigration policy going forward would focus on bolstering legal immigration while maintaining humane border enforcement. She stressed the importance of working with Central American governments to mitigate migration and proposed pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years.

The Future of Immigration Policy: Trump’s Solutions

Trump’s stance on immigration has remained consistent, focusing on enforcement at all costs. His solutions during the debate were aligned with his past policies—building more border barriers, increasing deportations, and enacting strict immigration laws. Despite several of his claims being fact-checked and debunked, Trump framed immigrants as a risk to American communities, reinforcing his tough-on-immigration persona.

While Trump’s hardline policies target illegal immigration, he has previously shown a favorable view toward international students. In a 2024 interview with the All-In Podcast, Trump hinted at granting green cards to international students upon graduation, particularly in STEM fields, suggesting a potential policy shift that would support legal immigration channels for highly skilled workers.

Harris’s Path Forward: Diplomacy and Reform

Harris, by contrast, highlighted the complexity of the immigration system and proposed a balanced approach that combines strict border enforcement with humanitarian efforts. Her policy would include expanding legal immigration avenues, protecting asylum seekers, and fostering international cooperation to address migration at its source. Harris made it clear that her approach would be based on facts and long-term solutions, rather than fear-mongering or misinformation.

The Impact on International Students and Day 1 CPT

One of the most significant outcomes of the 2024 election for international students, particularly those in Day 1 CPT programs, will be how the candidates' immigration policies impact their ability to stay and work in the U.S. The H-1B visa lottery has become increasingly competitive, with a mere 25% chance of securing a visa. For international students from countries like China and India, where green card backlogs are long, Day 1 CPT programs provide an essential path for remaining in the U.S. while working legally.

A Trump presidency could introduce policies favorable to skilled immigrants, especially given his prior comments about granting green cards to international students upon graduation. However, his broader immigration policies might create a more challenging environment for those outside of STEM fields.

On the other hand, Harris’s focus on comprehensive immigration reform could open up new pathways for international students, ensuring they can continue working in the U.S. while waiting for their green cards. Her diplomatic approach to immigration could offer more legal avenues for those in Day 1 CPT programs and beyond.

Key Data Supporting Day 1 CPT and International Students

According to data from Boundless, international student enrollment is on the rise in the U.S., with over 1.5 million students in 2023, marking a 10.4% increase from 2022. The economic impact of these students is significant—they contributed $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 368,000 jobs during the 2022-2023 academic year.

The vast majority of these students pursue degrees in STEM fields, with Computer Science and Business Administration being the most popular. Nearly half of all international students study in five states—California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida—with more than 70% coming from Asia, particularly India and China.

As for work experience, 160,627 students participated in Optional Practical Training (OPT) in 2023, a 37% increase from the previous year, with the majority in STEM OPT programs.

What the Future Holds for Immigration Policy and Day 1 CPT

As we look ahead to the results of the 2024 election, the future of U.S. immigration policy remains uncertain. Trump’s immigration policy would likely focus on reducing illegal immigration while potentially supporting skilled international workers. Harris’s policy would emphasize a more balanced approach that addresses the causes of migration while creating pathways for legal immigration.

Regardless of who wins, the demand for skilled international talent will continue to shape immigration policy in the coming years. For international students and those in Day 1 CPT programs, both candidates offer potential opportunities to remain in the U.S. legally, though their paths differ significantly.