The Republican National Committee’s (RNC) 2024 platform takes a strong stance on immigration, echoing policies from Donald Trump’s tenure and focusing heavily on border security, enforcement, and mass deportations. The platform’s primary themes include:
1. Sealing the U.S.-Mexico Border
- Border Wall and Military Deployment: The RNC plans to restore Trump-era border policies, complete the border wall, and deploy advanced surveillance technology alongside troops at the southern border.
- Fentanyl Blockade: The platform proposes a U.S. Navy blockade to prevent fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
2. Enforcing Immigration Laws
- Strengthening ICE and Penalties: Policies include boosting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources, increasing penalties for illegal entry and visa overstays, and reintroducing the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
- Alien Enemies Act and Travel Ban: The platform seeks to reinstate the travel ban from Trump’s administration and use the Alien Enemies Act to expedite removal of gang members, drug traffickers, and cartel members.
- Title 42 for Child Trafficking: Title 42 is cited for use in addressing child trafficking cases specifically.
3. Largest Deportation Operation
- The RNC pledges to conduct what it calls the “largest deportation operation in American history,” focusing on removing undocumented immigrants who have violated U.S. laws.
4. Strict Vetting Procedures
- Hostility Screening: New vetting standards would screen out individuals considered hostile to U.S. values, including communists, socialists, and others perceived as ideological threats. The policy also includes extreme vetting to block entry for individuals deemed to have ties to extremist ideologies.
5. Ending Sanctuary Cities
- Federal Funding Cuts: Cities that adopt sanctuary policies by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement could lose federal funding. The platform would require local authorities to comply with ICE detainers for undocumented immigrants.
6. Merit-Based Immigration and Reducing Family-Based Immigration
- The RNC advocates a shift to merit-based immigration, prioritizing skills and contributions to the economy over family connections. This involves ending “chain migration” and giving precedence to American workers.
Focus on Border Security
The Republican platform places a strong emphasis on border security through several proposals:
Physical Barriers
One of the most prominent proposals is the construction of physical barriers along the southern border. The party aims to complete the border wall initiated during Trump’s presidency, viewing it as a critical deterrent against illegal crossings.
Enhanced Surveillance and Border Patrol
In addition to physical barriers, Republicans propose deploying advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and cameras, to monitor border activity. They also plan to increase the number of border patrol agents to enhance enforcement capabilities.
Impact of Stricter Border Policies
The party argues that stricter border policies will reduce illegal immigration and improve national security. However, critics contend that such measures may lead to humanitarian crises at the border and do not address the root causes of migration.
Pathways to Citizenship and Legal Immigration
The Republican platform’s approach to pathways to citizenship reflects its focus on merit-based immigration:
Legal Immigration Proposals
The platform suggests reforms in work visa programs and green card allocations to prioritize individuals with skills that meet labor market demands. This includes streamlining processes for high-skilled workers while limiting family-based immigration options.
Citizenship Pathways
While emphasizing merit-based systems, the platform does not provide extensive pathways for undocumented immigrants already in the country. Instead, it focuses on ensuring that future immigrants contribute positively to society and the economy.
Deportation and Enforcement of Existing Laws
A significant aspect of the Republican immigration stance is its approach to deportation:
Mass Deportation Plans
The platform commits to conducting what it describes as “the largest deportation operation in American history.” This initiative would target undocumented immigrants who have violated U.S. laws, particularly those with criminal records or gang affiliations.
Enforcement of Current Laws
Republicans advocate for stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws, including increased cooperation between federal agencies and local law enforcement. This approach aims to identify and remove undocumented immigrants from communities across the country.
Policy Reflection
These policies align closely with the hardline approach seen during Trump’s presidency, with a focus on strict enforcement, limited pathways for legal immigration, and prioritizing national security and border control over reforms that might provide citizenship pathways for undocumented immigrants.
