A Kamala Harris administration’s trade policy will likely be similar to that of the past four years, with tariffs, trade sanctions, and export controls, and Donald Trump, judging by his previous term, will likely follow roughly the same line.
But either way, we risk missing an opportunity to address an issue that matters deeply to millions of Americans: illegal immigration. While comprehensive immigration reform (including border security and law enforcement) is necessary, trade can help drive progress in addressing the root causes.
Just to give you a few examples:Recent Gallup PollThe survey shows that Americans, no doubt motivated by long-standing humanitarian issues at the border, generally believe illegal immigration is a big problem. They’ve been concerned about the issue for years, but their concerns have only recently grown. No matter who wins the November election, there will be pressure to solve the problem.
How does trade policy help? Harris should know. As vice president, she took the first steps.
Harris represents the Biden administration.addressBy uncovering the root causes of illegal migration from Central America and highlighting the lack of economic opportunity for Central Americans, the next president could use trade tools to help put Central Americans on a more stable economic footing in their home countries.
In 2021, President Biden tapped Harris to lead his administration’s diplomatic efforts. Addressing the root causes Migrants from the “Northern Triangle” of Central America, which includes El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. show The number of immigrants from these countries has increased dramatically in the past few years. Last 6 years.
Harris visited GuatemalametHe met with President Alejandro Giammattei and discussed economic development, fighting corruption and promoting human rights. He also visited Mexico.metPresident Andrés Manuel López Obrador will discuss border security and economic cooperation.
The vice president stood next to Giammattei at a press conference and warned potential illegal immigrants, “Dont comeWhat is less known is that after her conversations with Central American and public and private sector leaders,It was reportedEvaluate the problem clearly.
Reasons why people leave their home countries include poverty, violence, corruption and a lack of prospects in their communities, especially linked to trade policies, she said.According to the press release:Part of the solution, it concluded, was to improve economic conditions by creating jobs and improving living standards, which has led to more than $5 billion being raised from public-private partnerships to address economic disparities in the Northern Triangle countries.
The White House in February 2023press releaseThe minister announced several additions, including a commitment from sportswear companies to purchase up to $200 million worth of products from the region over the next five years, microloans to women entrepreneurs, technical assistance to coffee growers, investments in state-of-the-art production facilities in apparel and textile manufacturing, and the creation of U.S. global supply chains throughout the region.
Further commitments in MarchAnnouncedThis included investment in steel production in Guatemala.
Each of these investments has great potential, but to be successful, these companies need access to markets beyond the Northern Triangle — they need access to the U.S. market.
Many Central American industries, such as wool textiles, face the highest U.S. tariffs.25 percentSportswear accounts for 23 percent, steel tubes and pipes for 18 percent, the list goes on.
Some domestic U.S. companies have complained about sportswear imports from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras entering the U.S. duty-free, but policymakers must be honest with the public that there are no solutions, only trade-offs.
Frankly, ask Americans whether they care more about curbing illegal immigration or maintaining import taxes on clothing from Central America, and the data is clear.28 percent93.3 million Americans believe illegal immigration is the most important issue.Bureau of Labor Statistics DataU.S. textile mills, finished goods factories and apparel manufacturers employ 280,000 people.
Every job is important, but every American should have a voice — and poll after poll shows that illegal immigration matters more to them.
The investment promises that Kamala Harris and her team have secured are impressive. As president, Harris, or Trump if he chooses, can translate these promises into sustainable economic opportunity for Northern Triangle people and curb illegal immigration.
Christine McDanielHe is a senior research fellow at the Marketas Center at George Mason University.
