As the 2020 U.S. presidential election draws near, President Donald Trump has shifted his focus to the issue of immigration as a key component of his closing appeal to voters. While Trump had initially relied heavily on highlighting his administration’s economic achievements, recent shifts in public opinion have prompted a strategic pivot towards immigration as a central campaign theme.
The President’s stance on immigration has been a defining feature of his presidency, with policies such as building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, implementing restrictions on legal immigration, and cracking down on undocumented immigrants. By emphasizing immigration in his closing appeal to voters, Trump aims to rally his base of supporters while also appealing to undecided or swing voters with a message centered on border security and law enforcement.
One of the key reasons for Trump’s pivot towards immigration as a central campaign theme is the fading edge on the economy, which had been a cornerstone of his reelection strategy prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic fallout from the pandemic has resulted in widespread job losses, business closures, and economic uncertainty, leading to a shift in public opinion on Trump’s handling of the economy.
By shifting focus to immigration, Trump aims to reenergize his base and reignite enthusiasm among supporters who may have been disheartened by the economic downturn. Additionally, by framing immigration as a key issue in the election, Trump seeks to draw a sharp contrast between his administration’s policies and those of his Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.
Biden, in contrast to Trump, has emphasized a more compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration, pledging to reverse many of the Trump administration’s policies and work towards comprehensive immigration reform. The differing approaches of the two candidates on immigration present voters with a clear choice between a continuation of Trump’s hardline stance or a shift towards a more humane and inclusive policy under a Biden administration.
With just weeks remaining until the election, Trump’s turn to immigration as a closing appeal reflects the evolving landscape of the campaign and underscores the significance of the immigration issue in shaping the outcome of the election. As voters weigh their choices on November 3rd, the President’s strategic pivot towards immigration serves as a reminder of the stark policy differences between the two candidates and the importance of this issue in determining the future direction of the country.