Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, immigration policy became one of the most visible and controversial policy issues, especially with both candidates kicking off the race by outlining their visions for a new immigration policy. While Republicans and Democrats tend to agree that comprehensive immigration reform is overdue, the priorities and “red lines” for both parties have only become more extreme in light of the divisive rhetoric used to frame key immigration issues over the past year. While Vice President-Elect Mike Pence continues to state the Trump Administration will engage in meaningful immigration reform within its first 100 days, it remains to be seen if and how the incoming Administration will be able to bridge the public opinion gaps related to the impacts of immigration on the U.S. economy and national security. Additionally, the opportunities to advance immigration reform are likely to be impacted by key global immigration challenges – such as the anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe that some believe drove Brexit, as well as the ongoing struggle to re-settle Syrian refugees.

Executive Branch Agenda -

Following his premiere on the political stage, President-Elect Trump rallied supporters around what has come to be viewed as an anti-immigrant agenda. The clearest insights into President-elect Trump’s immigration agenda were revealed during a September campaign event held along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. During that speech, President-elect Trump outlined a ten-point immigration plan...