Redefining Borders: Trump's “America First” and the Future of Immigration

Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine has reshaped U.S. immigration policy and the global conversation around borders, sovereignty, and national security. His administration implemented sweeping immigration restrictions, from the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries to family separation policies and enhanced border enforcement. These measures reflected a broader shift toward nationalism, protectionism, and a rejection of multilateral immigration agreements.

Under his second administration, the legacy of Trump's immigration policies continues to shape debates on migration, security, and human rights. How have these policies altered U.S. relationships with neighboring countries? What have been the economic and social consequences of tightening immigration restrictions? And what does the future of U.S. immigration look like in a global landscape increasingly defined by border fortification and rising nationalism?

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we take a closer look at the long-term implications of Trump’s immigration policies and their impact on migrants, U.S. foreign relations, and international migration patterns.

Our first guest is Professor Renan Levine, an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto. He holds a PhD from Duke University and specializes in American politics, electoral behavior, and public opinion. His research examines the role of political institutions and ideology in shaping policy decisions, including those related to immigration. Today, we’ll be discussing the political motivations behind Trump’s “America First” immigration policies, their impact on voter sentiment, and the broader implications for the 2024 election.

Joining us next is Professor Leah Montange, a human geographer and expert in migration, borders, and resistance. She is the Bissell-Heyd Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Toronto and has published extensively on immigration enforcement, border detention, and migrant rights. Her work explores how migration policies shape lived experiences and resistance movements. In today’s discussion, she’ll provide insight into how Trump’s border policies have affected migrant communities, asylum seekers, and the broader discourse around immigration enforcement.

Produced by: Mia Sunner & Aya Samaha