The Trump administration's legacy on immigration is marked by sweeping policy changes and widespread public reaction, as Americans grapple with the ramifications of his stringent measures. From farmers struggling to maintain labor forces comprised largely of undocumented workers to families mourning the loss of loved ones due to crimes linked to illegal immigration, the impacts are multifaceted and deeply felt.
Since taking office, President Trump has initiated significant steps to reshape immigration laws, including threats to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. New York dairy farmer Nate Chittenden told CBS News, “This is a 24-hour job. So I need people who are willing to work in shifts at different times of the day.” Farmers like Chittenden are increasingly voicing their concerns, with reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing a 7% drop in the number of farms from 2017 to 2022—equivalent to about 142,000 fewer farms. The situation has become dire for many, as farmers must now navigate not only labor shortages but also rising costs for feed and fertilizer.
New Jersey farmer Kurt Alstede pointed out the immense reliance on foreign labor, stating, “It’s a lot of hands to hand-harvest fruits and vegetables.” Indeed, over two-thirds of U.S. crop workers are foreign-born, with estimates indicating about 42% of these laborers lack documentation. The United Farm Workers (UFW), a labor union, has noted increased requests for assistance from migrants concerned about potential deportation and other policies threatening their livelihoods.
UFW communications director Antonio De Loera acknowledged the uncertainty faced by farm workers, saying, “The threats are scary, but at the same time, farm workers, more than anyone, understand the reality: without them, this work is not gonna get done.” Alstede echoed similar sentiments, expressing concerns about how reduced workforce availability could impact the agricultural sector: “Anything from policy standpoint reducing our workforce is gonna make it very difficult for industry and certainly for agriculture.”
While farmers express worry over labor shortages potentially leading to decreased production of domestically grown fruits and vegetables, the everyday grocery shopper may not feel immediate consequences. According to economist Diane Charlton from the University of Montana, consumer experience may remain stable as importation of food items continues. “Because we have been importing a lot of these foods already, the consumers might not see a really big impact,” she explained. Yet the long-term consequences for U.S. agriculture remain uncertain.
On the flip side, Trump's immigration policy has triggered emotional responses from families affected by crime committed by undocumented immigrants. The administration has utilized the stories of those families, dubbed 'Angel Moms,' to bolster its argument for strict immigration enforcement. A recent video released by the White House features Patty Morin, who lost her daughter Rachel, stating, “Relief is my first reaction—to finally ridding this country of illegal criminals.”
Angel Moms like Alexis Nungaray, who lost her daughter Jocelyn, have become vocal supporters of Trump’s crackdown, condemning previous administrations for what they describe as inadequate vetting processes. “It’s amazing to see people who are fighting for this country to help protect this country,” Nungaray noted. Meanwhile, the third 'angel mom,' Tammy Nobles, highlighted how her daughter's murderer was connected to gangs: “If they would've checked Kayla’s murderer, they would have known he was a known MS-13 gang member.” Such sentiments strongly frame the current immigration debate within personal narratives linked to trauma and loss.
Connected to this narrative is the administrative move to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelans residing in the United States. This policy change signifies the Trump administration's consistent efforts to tighten immigration regulations throughout both terms of his presidency. Critics of TPS argue it has transformed from a temporary emergency measure to long-term residency, enabling undocumented migrants to remain indefinitely.
Right now, those facing the termination of TPS may find themselves anxiously awaiting outcomes for their immigration status, with one mother expressing devastation over her possible deportation. Critics warn of potential legal challenges as immigrant rights activists prepare to respond to these decisions.
ICE arrests are also surging under Trump's directives, reportedly increasing daily from several hundred to well over 1,000. This escalation aligns with the administration’s declared intentions to execute the “biggest deportation operation” the nation has seen. Families and communities are understandably on edge, with daily life consumed by unpredictability surrounding who may be targeted next.
The array of responses to the Trump administration's immigration policies—from farmers requiring workers to victims' families advocating for reform—illustrates the complexity of the situation. While some celebrate the measures as steps toward making America safer, others warn of the heavy costs these policies impose on agricultural productivity, human rights, and family unity.
While President Trump remains steadfast on the immigration front, it’s clear this area will remain contentious and politically charged as different narratives resonate across America. How these policies evolve, impacting both citizens and non-citizens, will continue to shape public opinion and governmental actions for the foreseeable future.