Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — 9:00 AM CET / 3:00 AM EST (New York time)
By Maria Sánchez, for WPS.News

Immigration has been one of the defining and most divisive issues in American politics for decades. Yet, the U.S. immigration policy remains a patchwork of fear-driven enforcement, political grandstanding, and broken promises — leaving millions vulnerable and underserved. Occupy 2.5 stands firm in calling out these failures, demanding humane and just treatment for our neighbors from the South, who seek safety, dignity, and opportunity.

Obama’s Enforcement Legacy: A False Promise of Compassion

President Barack Obama’s tenure saw the deportation of over three million immigrants, many of whom had lived peacefully in the United States for years (Waslin, 2019). His administration’s rhetoric promised reform and compassion, but the reality was a relentless expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that tore families apart. Despite the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Obama’s record remains a dark chapter of aggressive deportations, fueling distrust and fear within immigrant communities.

Trump’s First Term: The Rise of Xenophobia

Donald Trump’s first presidency weaponized immigration as a political tool, relentlessly demonizing migrants as criminals and threats to national security. His administration’s policies included the infamous family separation policy, the Muslim travel ban, and the militarization of the southern border (Pierce et al., 2020). This era redefined immigration enforcement as a war zone, leaving a trail of human suffering in its wake.

Biden’s Hesitation and Missed Opportunities

President Joe Biden’s administration began with promises to undo Trump-era immigration harms and restore America’s image as a land of refuge. However, political realities and centrist hesitations slowed meaningful change. Efforts to overhaul immigration reform stalled in Congress, and the administration struggled with managing surges at the border. While halting family separations and increasing refugee caps, Biden’s administration also continued deportations and maintained harsh border enforcement practices (Waslin, 2024).

Trump’s Return: Renewed Assault on Immigrants

Since assuming office as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025, Donald Trump has escalated his hardline immigration agenda to unprecedented levels. Under Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the administration has implemented sweeping measures profoundly impacting immigrant communities.

  • Mass Deportations and Aggressive Enforcement: ICE arrests surpassed 100,000 in the early months of 2025, targeting people even in courthouses and hospitals, sowing fear and destabilization (CBS News, 2025).
  • Border Militarization and National Emergency: Trump declared a national emergency, deploying armed forces to the border and completing wall construction, alongside surveillance technologies like drones (Minnesota Reformer, 2025).
  • Legal Defiance: In a notable case, the Supreme Court ruled against the administration for violating judicial orders in deporting Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego García, spotlighting due process violations (Washington Post, 2025a).
  • Reinstatement of Travel Bans: The administration expanded travel bans affecting 19 countries, undermining diplomatic relations and further isolating immigrant communities (Washington Post, 2025b).

These actions mark a severe departure from international human rights norms, reflecting xenophobia and authoritarian governance (CBS News, 2025; Minnesota Reformer, 2025; Washington Post, 2025a, 2025b).

Canada’s Immigration Policy: Better PR, Same Challenges

Canada often touts a more compassionate immigration stance compared to the U.S., but its policies reveal similar barriers and restrictions, especially for migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean. While Canada’s immigration system is more transparent and offers more legal pathways, its rejection rates for asylum seekers from these regions remain high, and border enforcement is strict (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2024). Moreover, Canada largely limits entry to those who do not stop at the U.S.-Mexico border, effectively shifting the burden southward. Occupy 2.5 demands that Canada be held accountable for these practices and calls for genuine openness rather than mere public relations.

The Human Face of Immigration

The people arriving at America’s southern borders are not enemies, but neighbors—families fleeing violence, poverty, and environmental devastation wrought by decades of political and economic interference. Occupy 2.5 recognizes the humanity behind the headlines and rejects the racist, fascist, and ignorant narratives pushed by white supremacists and far-right factions.

The Call to Action

Occupy 2.5 urges international solidarity with immigrant communities and calls on governments — especially in the U.S. and Canada — to dismantle militarized borders, end inhumane policies, and embrace immigration as an opportunity for justice and renewal.

References

CBS News. (2025). ICE arrests under Trump administration exceed 100,000. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-under-trump-100k/

Citizenship and Immigration Canada. (2024). Annual immigration report: Trends and statistics. Government of Canada.

Minnesota Reformer. (2025). Trump signs executive orders to kick-start immigration crackdown. https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/01/20/repub/trump-signs-executive-orders-to-kick-start-his-immigration-crackdown/

Pierce, S., Bolter, J., & Selee, A. (2020). Immigration under Trump: A year of chaos and repression. Migration Policy Institute.

Waslin, M. (2019). Obama’s legacy on immigration enforcement. Center for American Progress.

Waslin, M. (2024). Biden’s immigration record: Progress and setbacks. Center for American Progress.

Washington Post. (2025a). Supreme Court rebukes Trump administration over deportation of Salvadoran immigrant. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/06/07/el-salvador-trump-immigration-kilmar-abrego-garcia/

Washington Post. (2025b). Trump administration expands travel bans to 19 countries. https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/06/04/travel-ban-countries-list-update-trump/

Photo by Rahul Dogra on Pexels.com

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