Immigration in 2028
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Immigration has been one of the most politically divisive issues in American politics for decades, encompassing border security, asylum policy, pathways to legal status, and the treatment of undocumented immigrants already living in the United States.
Record numbers of migrants arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border in the early 2020s, prompting significant debate over enforcement capacity, asylum law, and the humanitarian dimensions of migration. Congress repeatedly failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
The 2028 debate will likely address enforcement policy, the role of local law enforcement, visa backlogs for legal immigrants, and what - if anything - to do about the millions of undocumented people who have lived in the U.S. for years.
Why it matters in 2028
Immigration consistently ranks as one of the top voter concerns. The 2028 field will inherit an ongoing debate about enforcement versus humanitarian obligations, and whether any bipartisan compromise on immigration reform is achievable after years of congressional gridlock.
How each party frames immigration
A neutral summary of each party's general governing approach. Individual 2028 candidates will differ - no nominee has been chosen yet.
Democratic approach
Democrats generally support a combination of smart border management and expanded legal pathways. Many in the party advocate for humane treatment of asylum seekers, protection for immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, and comprehensive reform that includes a path to legal status for long-term undocumented residents. There is internal debate about the pace and scope of enforcement measures.
Republican approach
Republicans broadly prioritize border security and enforcement as preconditions to any other immigration changes. The party tends to favor stricter limits on asylum claims, increased use of deportation, and reduced unauthorized crossings. Many Republicans also call for reducing legal immigration levels and tying any changes to demonstrated enforcement first. There is some internal debate over guest-worker programs and the treatment of long-established immigrant communities.
What voters ask about immigration
- How would candidates secure the southern border?
- What would happen to undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S.?
- Should asylum laws be changed, and if so, how?
- How long does it take to immigrate legally and what would candidates do to fix the backlog?
- What should local police do when they encounter undocumented immigrants?
Other 2028 issues
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.
The future solvency and structure of the two largest federal entitlement programs for older Americans.