Introduction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is often cited for his aggressive stance on illegal immigration and border security during his presidency. However, his methods have been criticized for being ineffective and inhumane. This article explores what Trump truly did in terms of illegal immigration and border security, and why his approach fell short of expectations.

Trump's Past Actions: Irresponsible and Inhumane

During his presidency, Trump's administration took several controversial actions related to illegal immigration and border security. One of the most criticized moves was the placement of detainees in private prisons, managed by companies that had business ties to Trump. These private prisons charged taxpayers $750 per detainee daily. This not only caused immense financial strain but also highlighted a lack of compassion for those seeking refuge or legal work. Detainees, many of whom were contributing to society by paying taxes, often had to leave behind family members who relied on their income, putting their families into financial distress.

The Ineffective Policies and False Promises

Trump's approach towards deporting every illegal alien in the U.S. was met with widespread criticism. His advocates claim that these individuals do not have the right to a court hearing, but this is not true. Every unlawful immigrant is entitled to legal protection and the right to a fair trial. Trump's rhetoric was nothing more than an attempt to appeal to voters by making xenophobic statements, and it has caused significant harm to immigrants who came to the U.S. legally and should be treated fairly.

The plan to deport millions of working immigrants would have decimated the workforce, led to soaring inflation, and caused a major economic downturn. Additionally, Trump proposed to permanently close the border and severely punish any individuals crossing in an unauthorized manner. These drastic measures would not only have negative economic impacts but also would fail to address the root causes of illegal immigration. The Trump administration's hardline stance did not account for the complexities and human factors associated with border issues.

The Lack of a Comprehensive Plan for Safety and Protection

Furthermore, Trump failed to provide any substantive plan to ensure the safety of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and the economically marginalized. Crime rates were actually higher under Trump's administration than under Biden's, even including violent crime statistics. The administration's lack of a coherent strategy to protect against poverty, unaffordable healthcare, and housing issues further undermined their ability to provide security and stability for the American people. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, Trump's approach was more about political grandstanding than effective governance.

False Claims and Economic Consequences

Trump's economic claims have also been questioned. His promise to solve problems, balance the budget, and pay off the debt through tariffs has not materialized. In addition, his attempt to discourage a Biden-Harris administration from the election and his claims of an impending economic collapse and crime wave proved unfounded.

Future Actions Under Trump's Plan

Despite the above criticisms, Trump insists on plans that are authoritarian and undemocratic. He envisions imprisoning those who oppose him, eliminating freedom of speech and press, and utilizing the military to suppress peaceful demonstrations. More alarmingly, he plans to end elections and the need to vote, which would have catastrophic consequences for American democracy.

Conclusion

Overall, Trump's approach to illegal immigration and border security was criticized for being both inhumane and ineffective. His policies failed to address the complexities of the issue and often acted as a political tool rather than a solution. The human and economic impacts of his actions, including the financial strain on taxpayers, the harm to legally employed immigrants, and the incomplete or harmful plans to ensure safety and protection, demonstrate a serious lack of understanding and empathy. Moving forward, it is crucial to develop comprehensive and humane policies that address the challenges of illegal immigration while protecting the rights of all individuals.