Report: The Origins, Consequences, and Uncertain Legacy of the Trump Administration’s Humanitarian, Refugee, and Immigration Policies: A Comprehensive Analysis
This Journal on Migration and Human Security article, "The Origins, Consequences, and Uncertain Legacy of the Trump Administration's Humanitarian, Refugee, and Immigration Policies: A Comprehensive Analysis," is authored by Donald Kerwin, Elizabeth Carlson, and Charles Wheeler. The paper traces the historical, legal, and political foundations of the Trump administration's policies, examines their effects on refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, families, communities, and U.S. institutions, and evaluates the legal arguments advanced in their defense. It also analyzes how immigration enforcement authorities have evolved across multiple administrations, laying the groundwork for recent developments.
The authors identify several overarching themes that characterize the Trump administration's approach, including a selective view of the rule of law, the strategic use of cruelty, hostility toward humanitarian and refugee protections, and the failure to pursue immigration policies that advance the nation's values, interests, and long-term needs. The paper concludes with extensive recommendations for rebuilding and strengthening U.S. humanitarian assistance, refugee protection, asylum, and immigration systems.
The article will be included in an upcoming special edition of the Journal on Migration and Human Security examining the wide-ranging impacts of second Trump administration policies on refugees, immigrants, families, U.S. communities, and global systems to protect and assist forced migrants.
