What are the implications of the Donald J. Trump's administration on migration governance, international education and international trade?
Published on Jamaica Gleaner (https://jamaica-gleaner.com)
Home > Negative impact of ‘America First’ on migration and int’l trade
Published: Tuesday | December 31, 2024 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
There’s widespread interest in the potential and actual ramifications of Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda on migration governance and international trade.
This interest is largely due to the fact that domestic and regional affairs in Jamaica and the wider Latin America and the Caribbean region are deeply interconnected, and issue framing in international relations are shaped by supporting and opposing coalitions of interest groups and policies that operate transnationally.
Trump’s ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda will have a profound impact on migration governance, whereby his philosophical world-view is influenced by the following statement: “untrustworthy states produce untrustworthy citizens”.
Therefore, this ‘enemy image’ imposed on the majority of the world, especially on developing countries, is not only an exemplification of Trump’s close-minded cognition, but also the fact that there will be intensified surveillance to monitor the duration of stay of temporary migrants, including J1 visa holders.
Border Control, Regulation & Imposition of Tariffs
The intensified border control and regulation policies will also affect groups of migrants who are portrayed as ‘not belonging to’ the dominant American nation-state, based on a long historical and socio-cultural trajectory of discriminatory and exclusionary reforms. Trump’s rise to power as US president re-invokes public discourses and sentiments of racist, xenophobic nationalism and state-sanctioned violence against marginalized communities.
This is evident in his appointment of billionaire czars to key positions on immigration reform and international education. Inflow of remittances will be severely affected should Trump treads the dangerous path of mass deportations of undocumented migrants and refugees. Based on data from Jamaica’s Migration Profile, remittances have exceeded US$2.2 billion since 2016 from migrants abroad to their friends and families in Jamaica. The Planning Institute of Jamaica has mentioned that remittances are the fourth-highest source of income before, during and after COVID-19 for low-income households in Jamaica to meet their daily needs. Trump’s foreign policy agenda will erode any real attempt or progress towards poverty reduction and development in small island developing states, including Jamaica.
Additionally, there is growing concern that the US and Europe have always played a pivotal role in the determination and execution of international trade policy. Developing countries like Jamaica are known to not carry much political leverage in multilateral organizations, negotiations and decision-making.
Trump’s rise is likely to amplify existing difficulties in reforming multilateral rules that are unfair and discriminatory against developing countries. His ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda” and punitive/domineering approach to negotiations will also contribute to increased global supply-chain disruptions, with his threats to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China through various free trade agreements.
TINA RENIER
In my opinion, policy making on decent work in India promotes the incorporation of a gender-based analysis and international education approach through several key strategies including intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, International Education including Global Citizenship, Gender base equality for fair wages with social protection, and social dialogue. Many such movements are present in this country at the level of governance and community.
I appreciate your concern on this Madam Tina. Education shapes your world view . American universities are among the best in the world. The university or college one attends impacts there character and productivity in the workplace. Therefore locking out immigrants may reduce the influence of America to the world. America is a world giant economy ,it may be good for the country to be generous .
However i believe its a delicate balance for President Trump. Increase in population (through opening borders to immigrants) requires that available resources are stretched thin and the citizens may not get good services from the government. Its a dilemma for this great country that we all admire.
Although varied, the perceived implications of Trump's administration, especially his choices and decisions on key economic and social factors, lean toward exclusivity. The United States, known for being a 'melting pot' of culture and race, stands as a hub for ingenuity because it embraces diversity and utilizes it to the fullest. The 'America First' policy flies in the face of the very foundations of this great nation. It is equally interesting to note that one person is making such a huge decision for the people, whereas Lincoln would opt for otherwise.
The analysis of Donald J. Trump foreign policy highlights important implications for migration governance and international trade. Trump's policy poses challenges, especially for countries like Jamaica. Inclusive policies should focus on fair trade negotiations, equitable migration systems and global cooperation to support sustainable development.
Trump's foreign policies are profoundly unpopular rooted in conservative jurisprudence and dogma. Recall that conservatives had a powerful advocate in Trump. The American public are strongly committed to the principles of inclusiveness, equality and toleration. Advocating for small states' representation in trade reforms and fostering bilateral partnerships can protect migrants and reduces the impact of exclusionary policies. Collaborative efforts are essential for building resilient economic and migration systems. I firmly believe that advocating for developing countries representation in trade will support migrant protection.
President Donald Trump's 'America First' agenda has profoundly reshaped U.S. policies on migration governance, international education, and trade. In early 2025, the administration imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from key allies, including Canada and Mexico, aiming to reduce trade deficits and bolster domestic industries. This move has led to increased production costs and strained relations with these nations.
Concurrently, the administration has enacted stringent immigration policies, including mass deportations of undocumented migrants and heightened visa restrictions. These actions have significantly reduced the immigrant workforce, particularly affecting sectors like agriculture and technology that rely heavily on migrant labor. The resultant labor shortages have disrupted supply chains and contributed to rising consumer prices, with estimates suggesting a potential 0.5% increase in consumer costs this year. In the realm of international education, policies such as cutting federal funding to institutions enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates have created an atmosphere of uncertainty. This, coupled with restrictive visa policies, has deterred international students from enrolling in U.S. universities, leading to decreased diversity and potential financial challenges for these institutions.
Collectively, these policies have not only strained diplomatic ties but also posed challenges to the U.S. economy by disrupting established migration patterns, educational exchanges, and trade relationships.