As per usual, our friend Patrick Boyle handles a topic no ma..

As per usual, our friend Patrick Boyle handles a topic no matter how- ummm- touchy it is! Good on him. Check out the video or the key takeaway points if you like :)

https://youtu.be/SfbfaA8kriI?si=Qh8p1a6JfUoVpZLd


Key takeaway points:

In 2024, immigration became a significant concern among voters in both Europe and the United States, with a Gallup survey indicating a majority of Americans preferred less immigration, marking a notable shift since 2005.

The US, home to the largest foreign-born population globally, has immigrants constituting 14.3% of its population, with the majority legally present, while 11 to 13 million are estimated to be illegal immigrants, forming up to 6% of the US workforce.

Illegal immigrants predominantly reside in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, working mainly in agriculture, service, and construction sectors.

Immigration has been a key issue for Donald Trump, who advocated for reducing both legal and illegal immigration, proposing a border wall, which led to a government shutdown and a national emergency declaration to divert funds for its construction.

The Biden administration aimed to reverse Trump's immigration policies, reducing domestic enforcement and focusing on migration drivers from Central America. However, during the pandemic, a public health law allowed rapid border turnbacks, which continued under Biden until 2023.

A record high of nearly 2.5 million apprehensions occurred at the southern border in 2023, with a shift from predominantly Mexican migrants to more from Asia, particularly China and India, seeking asylum.

Trump's proposed mass deportations are complex and costly, potentially removing 6% of the workforce, with significant financial and social implications. His past deportation numbers were lower than Obama's, despite his tough rhetoric.

The economic impact of deportations is debated, with some economists warning of labor shortages and inflation, while others predict positive effects on earnings and the stock market, reflecting a divide in economic interpretations.

Under Biden, border crossings increased due to perceived better treatment of migrants, with many seeking asylum and obtaining work permits, though not eligible for federal benefits except in specific cases.

Immigration reform remains a challenge, with the last major legislative success under Ronald Reagan in 1986. Subsequent efforts by Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden have stalled, reflecting ongoing political and economic debates on balancing immigration needs and resources.

Trump's additional proposals include ending birthright citizenship, limiting visa durations, and restricting refugee admissions, which would require significant funding and legislative support, and could have far-reaching consequences on the US economy and society.