With only nine days until Election Day, immigration has emerged as a highly divisive issue in the US presidential campaign. Immigrants from South Asia and beyond express growing concerns about potential repercussions if former President Donald Trump secures a victory. Trump, the Republican candidate, has pledged to overhaul the current immigration policies, promising what he calls the “largest” domestic deportation operation in American history and a comprehensive review of refugee programs if he is re-elected.

Trump, 78, has also vowed to eliminate birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants in the US, stirring anxiety among various immigrant communities, including those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Advocacy groups have voiced their disapproval of this proposed change, highlighting that birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has called for addressing illegal immigration through a legislative overhaul. Harris has labeled the current system as “broken” and stressed the need for reforms. At a recent rally, Trump accused Harris of supporting policies that bring “migrant gangs and illegal alien criminals” into the US, describing it as a "crime against our country."

Mohammad Iqbal, a green card holder from Bangladesh who has lived in Atlanta for over a decade, voiced his concerns, saying, “This is a very sensitive issue, and we are worried about the possible fallout of Trump's victory.” Vasudev Patel, from the Federation of Indian-Americans in Georgia, added that Trump’s approach appears to welcome “educated” and “peaceful” immigrants.

Immigration has become a central concern in border states, especially in Arizona, where polls indicate an extremely close race. Voters who prioritize immigration as a critical issue tend to lean toward Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, as his policies resonate with those concerned about border security. A recent poll highlights this sentiment, with many respondents expressing confidence that Trump would be significantly more effective than Harris at enforcing stricter border controls. This preference underscores the heightened importance of immigration in shaping voter decisions in key states, particularly as they face ongoing challenges related to border management and security.

A Pew Research survey revealed a stark divide among the supporters of both candidates on immigration issues. According to the survey, 88% of Trump supporters favor mass deportations, while only 27% of Harris supporters share that view, with 72% opposing it.

Latanya, a student from Michigan, expressed disappointment with Trump’s stance, calling immigration a “major issue in the election,” and said, “I think Harris is a much better choice than Trump.”

As the race for the White House remains tight, recent polls reflect the intensity of this competition. A final national poll found both Harris and Trump locked at 47% among likely voters, while another from New York Times/Siena College also showed them tied at 48%. Financial Times polling shows Trump with a narrow edge on economic trust at 44%, compared to Harris at 43%.

According to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight, Harris holds a slim lead of 1.7 percentage points over Trump. With 270 of 538 electoral votes needed to win, the outcome will likely hinge on key swing states like Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Nevada.

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