Democrats Didn’t Lose Their Way on Immigration, It Was the Voters Who Wanted Changes

By Alex Gonzalez

The argument by some immigration activists and “experts” that Democrats “gave up” on immigration is both dishonest and unfair. Democrats presented a balanced immigration message in 2024, emphasizing border security alongside a path to citizenship for Dreamers, agricultural workers, and essential workers who have lived in the U.S. for an extended period.

Democrats didn’t lose their way on Immigration. Public perception shifted after repeated waves of immigrants arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border, demanding entry to apply for asylum and subsequently be released into the country.

Historically, of the 11 million undocumented workers who have lived in the U.S. for more than 15 years, about half are individuals who overstayed their visas—people who entered legally but stayed beyond their permitted time. The other half crossed the border illegally but stayed with friends or family. Both groups found jobs, built lives “in the shadows,” and avoided public assistance to avoid drawing attention to their undocumented status. These Immigrants didn’t feel entitled to government support.

The large waves of immigrants in 2018 traveling through Mexico significantly altered the perception of immigration. These groups, often referred to as caravans, traveled in large numbers and, at times, demanded entry—sometimes using force— in Mexico to make it to the U.S.-Mexico border. Unlike undocumented immigrants in the past, who typically avoided U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), these caravans sought to overwhelm CBP officers with sheer numbers, assuming the agency would have no choice but to release them on humanitarian parole while their asylum cases were processed. This influx strained local communities—particularly in predominantly Democrat-run cities like San Diego, El Paso, and areas of South Texas—placing immense pressure on shelters and local services. It got even worse after 2021.

After Biden was elected, the waves increased, with immigrants demanding entry under the asylum process. But, even among Mexican American and Hispanic voters, opinions began shifting around 2018. Surveys by the Pew Hispanic Center once showed that while Hispanics broadly supported a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S., they also wanted more control over immigration flows. The sight of immigrant encampments and overcrowded shelters in urban areas led some Democratic mayors in New York City, Chicago and Denver to call on the federal government for stricter border controls, as the sheer number of asylum seekers overwhelmed local resources.

Even in California, “Most Californians consider the situation at the US-Mexico border a crisis or a major problem.”

Some immigrant activists were offended when Kamala Harris, in 2021, traveled to Central America and told potential migrants not to come to the U.S., stating that the border was not open. While her statement was controversial, she was right to address the issue. Unfortunately, many migrants didn’t hear her warning and continued forcing their way through Mexico to reach the U.S.-Mexico border, exacerbating the crisis.

This process must change.

Immigration is now creating binational tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, a trade zone valued at $850 billion annually. Trump wants Mexico to stop granting humanitarian visas that allow immigrants to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border, threatening to impose tariffs on Mexican imports if they do not comply. However, Mexico’s president argues that the issue lies with the U.S. asylum process, which acts as a magnet for these immigrants, and has countered with threats of similar tariffs on American imports.

Yes, Trump used dehumanizing rhetoric for political gain, and some extremists in MAGA crowds call for an unrealistic “mass deportation.” However, it was the voters who demanded change on immigration, and Democrats need to pay attention to what voters are saying.

Far from losing their way on immigration, Democrats from the Southwest in the U.S. Senate, such as Ruben Gallego of AZ, Catherine Cortez Masto of NV, Alex Padilla of CA, and Ben Ray Luján of NM, along with members of the House of Representatives, particularly Hispanic lawmakers, continue to advocate for border security measures and a path to citizenship. To claim that Democrats have lost their way on immigration is both unfair and dishonest.

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Alex Gonzalez is a political Analyst, Founder of Latino Public Policy Foundation (LPPF), and Political Director for Latinos Ready To Vote. Comments to vote@latinosreadytovote.com or @AlexGonzTXCA

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