A recent statement from a group of Republican governors, praising former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, paints a one-dimensional picture of an issue that is far more complex. The governors laud Trump’s approach to securing the border and deporting undocumented immigrants, framing it as the key to restoring national security and public safety. While the concerns raised about illegal immigration are valid, the emphasis on enforcement, coupled with the oversimplified view of immigrants as a threat, overlooks the deeper, more nuanced issues at play.
The statement characterizes the situation as an “illegal immigration crisis,” with a focus on the threat posed by undocumented individuals to American communities. This framing, while politically charged, risks exaggerating the scope of the problem. Illegal immigration is undoubtedly a challenge, but studies consistently show that immigrants, including those without legal status, commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens. Treating the issue as an urgent, existential threat distorts the reality of immigration, which is driven by a range of factors, including economic opportunity and violence in immigrants’ home countries—not just security concerns.
The governors also take aim at the Biden administration, accusing it of failing to secure the border and uphold the rule of law. Yet this criticism overlooks a critical point: border security under the Trump administration did not eliminate the problem of unauthorized crossings. Even with tough enforcement policies, illegal immigration remained a persistent issue. Biden’s approach has emphasized a more humane strategy, focusing on deporting individuals with criminal records and improving immigration processes. This shift reflects a recognition that national security is not solely about enforcement but also about addressing the underlying causes of migration and ensuring fairness and due process.
The governors’ call for greater state-level involvement in immigration enforcement—through the deployment of law enforcement and National Guard units—also raises concerns. While such actions may appeal to those seeking a more aggressive response, they come with significant risks. The militarization of local law enforcement could strain relationships between immigrant communities and police, further eroding trust where it is already fragile. Additionally, using state resources to address a federal issue could divert attention and funding from more pressing state-level challenges, such as healthcare, education, and economic recovery.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the governors’ statement is their insistence on deporting “dangerous criminals, gang members, and terrorists.” While it is clear that individuals involved in serious criminal activity should be removed from the country, the broader implication that all undocumented immigrants are a security threat is misleading. The vast majority of undocumented immigrants are not criminals. Many come to the U.S. seeking better opportunities or fleeing violence in their home countries. By conflating all undocumented individuals with criminals, the governors’ rhetoric fails to address the humanitarian aspects of immigration and sidesteps the more difficult question of how to create a fair and just immigration system.
The governors also invoke the phrase “America First,” a slogan that, when applied to immigration, raises questions about the U.S.’s role in the global community. The United States has long been a leader in providing refuge for those fleeing persecution, and international law requires the country to offer protection to asylum seekers. A narrow, “America First” approach that ignores these obligations risks isolating the U.S. from its allies and tarnishing its reputation as a champion of human rights.
What is strikingly absent from the governors’ statement is any discussion of comprehensive immigration reform. Their focus on deportation and border enforcement offers no solutions for the millions of undocumented individuals already living in the U.S., nor does it address the root causes of immigration, such as poverty, violence, and instability in other countries. True reform would involve pathways to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents, protections for Dreamers, and a more efficient and humane asylum process. Without these components, enforcement alone will never solve the problem.
In the end, the Republican governors’ statement represents a missed opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about immigration. While concerns about security and public safety are legitimate, focusing solely on enforcement risks overlooking the underlying issues that drive migration and the need for a more humane and comprehensive immigration policy. If the U.S. is to truly “make America safe again,” it must do so by addressing the complexities of immigration and developing a fair, effective system that respects both national security and human dignity.