RACINE, WI — The first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump covered a number of topics, but immigration was what resonated most with local residents who watched the debate.
Racine County Eye spent time at the offices of both the Racine County GOP and Democratic Party of Racine County, and immigration was what stuck out the most for individuals we talked with during and after the debate.
So, we did some digging into claims from both candidates as well as what residents had to say.
Biden’s stance on immigration
Biden was questioned about the record number of migrants crossing the border during his administration. He highlighted efforts to secure a bipartisan agreement aimed at reducing illegal crossings. He mentioned a significant increase in border security measures and support from the Border Patrol. Biden also criticized Trump’s policy of separating families at the border, noting that his administration has since reduced illegal crossings by 40%.
Fact-Check: According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, border crossings fluctuate. Biden’s claim about Border Patrol endorsement needs context; the National Border Patrol Council, which represents Border Patrol agents, endorsed Trump in 2016 and 2020.
Biden did support a bipartisan immigration bill that was blocked by Republicans. The bill aimed to address border security by hiring more Border Patrol agents, increasing the number of immigration judges and asylum officers, and implementing new technology to combat drug trafficking. It also sought to expand lawful immigration pathways and expedite work authorization for eligible individuals. The bill faced opposition from Congressional Republicans, who ultimately blocked its passage.
Trump’s Stance on Immigration
Trump countered by claiming that under his administration, the U.S. had the safest border in history. He accused Biden of opening the borders, allowing criminals and terrorists into the country. Trump reiterated his plan to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history, targeting undocumented immigrants, including those with long-term ties to the U.S.
Fact-Check: Trump’s statement about having the safest border in history is exaggerated. Border security metrics, such as illegal crossing attempts and drug seizures, show mixed results across different administrations. His claim about terrorists entering the U.S. also misses the mark; while there have been incidents involving individuals on terror watch lists, there is no evidence of a large-scale influx of terrorists.
Additionally, Trump criticized the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program, which allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. legally under specific conditions. This program requires migrants to have U.S. sponsors, pass background checks, and pay for their own travel. The program’s goal is to provide a lawful pathway for migrants, reduce irregular migration, and increase border security.
Local Perspective
Ken Brown, a longtime Republican, emphasized that illegal immigration, inflation, and perceived incompetence in leadership are critical issues for him.
“Going into this debate tonight, and going into the last three and a half years, the things that stood out the most to me, are the fact that we have three major problems,” he said. “We have illegal immigration that is out of control, we have inflation that is out of control, and we have an incompetent leader that is out of control.”
Brown said he believes the country as a whole is lining up more with where Trump was and where he is and against Joe Biden.
Kelly Gallaher is the county chair for the Democrats. She agreed that immigration caught her attention but for different reasons.
“Trump’s depiction of immigrants was so vile, and I found the whole discussion of immigrants and the border so gross and so inhumane,” she said. “If anyone looks around, they can see that we need immigrants and what they do for our economy, including Wisconsin farmers who are vocal about the need for immigrants.”
She said she would have liked to hear Biden stress more emphatically about the bipartisan bill that Republicans killed.
“That was such an important bill, but killing it for no good reason clearly meant more,” Gallaher stated.
Another resident who asked that we not use their name expressed frustration with the current administration’s handling of the border, claiming that Biden’s policies have led to an unprecedented influx of undocumented migrants.
There was a consensus among local residents that legal immigration is vital, and the current system needs reform to prevent illegal crossings.
Fact-Check: The perception of increased illegal crossings is supported by recent data. It’s important to note, though, that migration patterns are almost always influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions and violence in migrants’ home countries.
The claim about the Biden administration flying migrants directly into the U.S. requires more context. Reports of relocating migrants within the U.S. are accurate and part of broader immigration management strategies.
Numbers from a recent Marquette University poll seem to support Brown, despite how heavily the state relies on immigrant labor, both documented and undocumented.
Undocumented workers, in particular, often fill labor-intensive roles in agriculture, construction, and service industries. A study from the University of Wisconsin estimates that nearly 70% of workers who milk cows on dairy farms are undocumented.
By the numbers: economic contributions of immigrants
Immigrants have a significant impact on Wisconsin’s economy with spending power of about $8 billion and contributing $1.1 billion in state taxes.
In 2022, immigrants in the U.S. had a combined household income of $2.1 trillion, contributing $382.9 billion in federal taxes and $196.3 billion in state and local taxes.
Immigrants as a whole in Wisconsin make up 15% of all farmers, fishers, and foresters, and 13% of those in computer and math sciences. As the state faces labor shortages and an aging population, immigrant participation in the local workforce is vital.
Between 2010 and 2014, Wisconsin’s foreign-born population increased by 9%, helping balance the state’s falling birth rate.
