Former President Donald Trump made controversial statements about migrants living in America during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, claiming that there are “a lot of bad genes” among them. Trump also alleged that there are “13,000” convicted murderers who have entered the country illegally and that Vice President Kamala Harris has no clue about her proposals for handling immigration. Trump’s remarks about genetics echo his previous statements about eugenics, suggesting a belief in superior and inferior genes within the population.
Trump’s use of the term “migrant crime” is inconsistent with data showing that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than U.S. citizens, and that violent crime rates in the U.S. are decreasing. While there are 13,099 immigrants convicted of homicide on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s docket, it is misleading to suggest that all of them entered the country recently. Many of these individuals are serving sentences in law enforcement custody or have been in the U.S. for decades. Furthermore, a Supreme Court ruling in 2022 determined that individuals cannot be held in immigration detention indefinitely, complicating efforts to deport certain migrants.
Critics of Trump have condemned his comments on migrants, accusing him of embracing eugenics and promoting baseless beliefs about genetics. Trump’s repeated claims about migrants and crime have been met with skepticism from the Department of Homeland Security, which clarified that the data on convicted immigrants dates back decades and includes individuals in various stages of law enforcement custody. Trump’s focus on genetics and eugenics may reflect a family belief in superior breeding and traits, as previously suggested by his biographer.
Immigration has emerged as a key issue in the current political landscape, with voters expressing concerns about the influx of migrants into the U.S. The Republican Party has proposed a mass deportation program as part of its immigration policy for 2024, targeting an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants living in the country. Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has advocated for a return to tough enforcement measures at the border, including the reinstatement of the “remain in Mexico” policy and Title 42 restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The party’s plan emphasizes a 100 percent deportation rate and the utilization of National Guard and local law enforcement to enforce immigration policies.
Overall, Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric about migrants, genetics, and crime underscores the divisive nature of the immigration debate in the U.S. His focus on genes and eugenics raises concerns about the underlying beliefs driving his stance on immigration and deportation policies. As the 2024 election approaches, the issue of immigration is likely to remain a contentious topic, with both major parties offering contrasting approaches to managing the influx of migrants and addressing concerns about public safety. Confronting the complexities of immigration policy will require a careful balance between security measures and humanitarian considerations, with an emphasis on addressing the root causes of migration to ensure a more equitable and just system for all involved.
