The Rule of Law: A Cornerstone of Sovereignty
The question of whether Donald Trump’s immigration policies are cruel or simply enforcing the rule of law is a divisive one. Those on the left argue that the policies are unnecessarily harsh. And on the right, nearly all believe the real cruelty lies in dangling false hope and encouraging migrants to risk everything by entering the country illegally — especially the women and children.
Human trafficking, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking are all interwoven into the open borders issue. The sexual abuse women and children endure on the journey to our southern border can be horrific — with even more such sexual violence awaiting them upon their arrival.
Every nation has immigration laws, and violating them has consequences. The United States is no exception. Immigration laws exist for a reason: to regulate who enters and resides in a country, ensuring fairness and security. The United States has clear legal pathways for those seeking to immigrate, and bypassing those processes is a violation of federal law.
- Legal Precedent: Unauthorized entry into the U.S. is explicitly illegal under federal law, with penalties including detention, deportation, or fines.
- Comparison to Other Crimes: Just as theft or fraud has consequences, so too does illegal immigration. Ignoring these laws undermines the legal framework that ensures order in society.
- Federal law explicitly states that unauthorized entry into the country is illegal, carrying penalties that range from detention to deportation.
Consider this: if someone commits theft or another crime, they face legal penalties, often jail. Why should immigration laws be treated differently? Enforcement ensures fairness and security for all, including those who follow the rules to immigrate legally. The notion that illegal immigration should carry no consequences undermines the foundation of lawful society.
Why It Matters:
Failing to enforce immigration laws sends a message that rules don’t apply equally, which is inherently unfair to those who follow proper legal channels to immigrate. Strong enforcement ensures that immigration benefits those who adhere to the law while maintaining the integrity of the system.
The Scale of the Border Crisis
The U.S.-Mexico border has seen an unprecedented surge in illegal crossings in recent years, exacerbating challenges for law enforcement, border communities, and migrants themselves. The southern border of the United States has seen unprecedented levels of illegal crossings in recent years. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), over 2.3 million migrant encounters occurred in fiscal year 2022, a record-breaking number. While some migrants seek asylum, a significant portion of these encounters involve individuals attempting to bypass legal processes altogether.
The human toll of illegal immigration is staggering. A 2023 study from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 1,400 migrants died or went missing along the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022, making it one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. These tragedies stem largely from false promises and misconceptions about open borders.
Key Insight:
The increasing number of illegal crossings highlights the urgent need for clear, consistent policies that deter unauthorized entry while addressing the root causes of migration.
The Human Cost of False Promises
The dangers migrants face on their journey to the U.S. border are often overlooked. Many fall victim to cartels, human traffickers, and unsafe conditions. In 2022 alone, more than 53 migrants died in the back of a sweltering truck in Texas, a stark reminder of the desperation and dangers involved.
Encouraging illegal entry—whether through rhetoric or lax enforcement—exposes vulnerable people to these risks. Is it truly compassionate to foster hope in a system that cannot legally or logistically accommodate everyone?
There is an inherent unfairness baked into illegal immigration and the exponential increase of asylum claims. Once a migrant crosses into the United States, they are fed, closed, housed, educated, and medically cared for courtest of the American taxpayer. This is one of the most prevelant reasons why the topic of illegal immigrant and asylum seeking immediately caused blood boiling among a growing portion of the United States population – as the 2024 presidential election confirmed. At a time when combat veterans are sleeping on the streets with empty bellies and residents of North Carolina are braving the early winter in tents after Hurricane Helene, foreign persons breaking the law are gifted all the creature comforts far too many American citizens are going without.
Who Encourages Illegal Migration?
Critics often label Trump’s immigration policies as cruel for their strict enforcement, including family separations under the “zero tolerance” policy. However, it’s worth asking whether the greater harm comes from those who implicitly or explicitly encourage illegal migration.
- Sanctuary Cities: Cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities inadvertently send a message that illegal entry carries no real consequences.
- Policy Rhetoric: Early in President Biden’s administration, a more lenient approach to immigration enforcement—including halting deportations—was widely interpreted as an open invitation, fueling a surge in border crossings.
- Human Traffickers: Cartels and traffickers exploit lax enforcement and political rhetoric, preying on vulnerable migrants by promising safe passage that often leads to exploitation or death.
Case in Point:
In 2022, 53 migrants died in a sweltering truck in Texas, a tragic reminder of the dangers of illegal immigration fueled by false promises. Strong enforcement policies serve as a deterrent to such life-threatening risks.
Why Trump’s Policies Work
Donald Trump’s immigration policies, including measures like the “zero tolerance” policy, were designed to enforce existing laws while deterring illegal migration. Critics focus on the emotional impact of these measures, but their effectiveness speaks volumes.
- Deterrence through Enforcement: Policies like family separations, while controversial, reduced illegal border crossings by making the consequences clear and immediate.
- Restoration of Order: Building physical barriers and increasing border patrol funding created tangible obstacles for those attempting to bypass legal immigration processes.
- Accountability for Asylum Claims: Requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico during the adjudication process reduced frivolous claims and eased strain on immigration courts.
The Bigger Picture:
Strong policies discourage dangerous journeys, reduce human trafficking, and ensure that resources are allocated to genuine asylum seekers and legal immigrants.
Voices of Reason: Balancing Compassion and Enforcement
Prominent voices across the political spectrum emphasize the importance of balanced immigration policies.
Former President Obama noted in a 2014 speech:
“We’re a nation of immigrants. But we’re also a nation of laws. Undocumented workers broke our immigration laws, and I believe they must be held accountable—especially those who may be dangerous.”
Similarly, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized U.S. immigration policies for sending mixed messages, stating in 2021: “Expectations were created that with the government of President Biden, there would be better treatment of migrants. And this has caused Central American migrants, and also from our country, wanting to cross the border thinking it is easier to do so.”
Balancing Compassion and Enforcement
Compassion and enforcement are not mutually exclusive. Policies rooted in the rule of law protect not only the citizens of a nation but also the migrants themselves.
Steps Toward a Balanced Solution:
- Expand Legal Pathways: Streamlining visa processes and increasing quotas for skilled workers can reduce incentives for illegal entry.
- Strengthen Messaging: Clear, consistent communication about the risks and consequences of illegal immigration is essential.
- Combat Human Trafficking: Hold accountable the individuals and organizations profiting from the exploitation of migrants.
Conclusion: The Real Cruelty
Labeling Trump’s policies as cruel misses the broader picture. Enforcing immigration law is not an act of cruelty; it is a necessary measure to maintain fairness, security, and order. The true cruelty lies in perpetuating false hopes and encouraging migrants to risk their lives in pursuit of an unattainable goal.
By shifting the conversation from political blame to practical solutions, we can address the root causes of illegal immigration while upholding both the rule of law and human dignity.
Justine Anifowose is a freelance writer who covers politics and writes opinion pieces for media outlets. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Justine has worked with news outlets like The Dallas Express, Spaulding Publishing, and The Red Archives. He also covers his passion — football (soccer in the US). You can connect with him on X/Twitter via @Tp_drg.
