As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his promise to execute the “largest deportation effort in U.S. history” is resonating with Americans who demand strong border security and lawful immigration. Amid this shift, even some Democrats and immigration advocacy groups are considering measures that align more closely with Republican principles, including reducing overall immigration numbers and prioritizing pathways for legal entry tied to economic and humanitarian needs.
One bipartisan effort, the 2023 Dignity Act, co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas and Republican Rep. Maria Salazar of Florida, encapsulates this pragmatic approach. The proposal aimed to strengthen border security with $25 billion in funding, require E-Verify compliance for employers, and provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers while improving visa programs to fill key labor gaps in agriculture and healthcare. Although the bill was not voted on, Escobar remains optimistic that these ideas could gain traction in the current Congress.
The Need for Bipartisan Collaboration
Despite resistance from some Democrats, Escobar acknowledges that Trump’s ambitious immigration agenda may necessitate bipartisan legislative action. “If they want to change the law, they will very likely need to work with Democrats,” she told NBC News, emphasizing the need for reform to address the nation’s labor shortages and aging population.
Escobar’s comments underscore a growing recognition among moderates that America needs a balanced immigration strategy—one that prioritizes border security while acknowledging the economic contributions of legal immigrants.
Reclaiming Control of the Border
During Trump’s first term, his administration implemented decisive measures to control illegal immigration, including the “Remain in Mexico” policy and stronger enforcement of asylum rules. While Democrats largely opposed these efforts, the escalating border crisis under President Joe Biden exposed the weaknesses of lenient policies, prompting some Democrats to reconsider their approach.
The bipartisan immigration package proposed during Trump’s campaign—though blocked by partisan opposition—demonstrated a willingness to bolster border security. With Trump poised for a second term, such ideas could see renewed life, offering a path forward for collaboration.
FWD.us and a Republican Vision for Immigration
Prominent pro-immigration organizations, like FWD.us, have also begun advocating for reforms that align with Republican goals. A recent plan by Andrea Flores, a former Obama-Biden official, emphasizes reducing illegal border crossings through improved legal pathways and addressing flaws in existing programs. While acknowledging the success of temporary sponsorship initiatives under Biden, Flores argues for longer-term solutions that prioritize migrants who meet economic and humanitarian needs—a perspective Republicans have long championed.
Prioritizing National Security and Rule of Law
Trump’s focus on mass deportations and stricter immigration enforcement reflects the Republican commitment to restoring order at the border and protecting national sovereignty. While critics claim such measures won’t deter migration, they ignore the broader issue of upholding the rule of law and deterring illegal entry. The Republican vision isn’t about rejecting immigration; it’s about ensuring a system that benefits the country and operates within the bounds of the law.
A Clear Path Forward
As Trump takes office, Republicans have a unique opportunity to lead the charge on comprehensive immigration reform. By combining stricter enforcement with improved legal pathways and economic-focused immigration policies, they can address the root causes of the border crisis while ensuring the nation’s security and prosperity. Collaboration with willing Democrats on measures like the Dignity Act could mark a pivotal step toward a more functional and fair immigration system.