Norris McDonald | Immigration and Donald Trump’s grievance mentality

“If we must die, let it not be like hogs

Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,

While round us bark the mad, hungry dogs.

Making the mock at our accursed lot.

If we must die, O let us nobly die!”

– Claude McKay

As the haunting spectre of a second Trump presidency dawns upon America, the world braces for deeper economic turmoil. Trump’s return to power promises to exacerbate an already fragile global economy, which has been faltering under President Biden’s chaotic war-driven inflationary policies.

The economic consequences of Trump’s hardline stance on immigration – particularly his vow to expel undocumented immigrants – will undoubtedly further drive up prices, destabilise markets, and harm families both in the United States and abroad.

Countries like Jamaica, where remittances are a crucial pillar of the economy, will especially feel the sting.

IMMIGRANTS PAY TAXES AND BUILD AMERICA

In 2021, the United States sent a record $3.497 billion in remittances to Jamaica, an essential lifeline for countless Jamaican families. However, if Trump’s proposed immigration policies come to fruition and force undocumented workers to leave the US, the flow of this vital money could be significantly reduced.

Many of these undocumented workers, particularly those from poorer countries like Jamaica, occupy essential low-wage jobs. This includes childcare, eldercare, and housekeeping.

These roles are often overlooked and undervalued, but they form the backbone of American households, particularly in the middle-class white communities where many families rely on affordable immigrant labour.

From personal care aides to cooks, immigrants (many undocumented) perform critical tasks that sustain the US economy. If Trump’s policies successfully remove these workers from the country, the US faces the prospect of severe labour shortages that could make it increasingly difficult for Americans to access essential services.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF IMMIGRANTS TO THE US ECONOMY

Immigrants are a significant economic force in the United States. In 2022, immigrants contributed a remarkable $1.6 trillion to the national income, according to the American Immigration Council. Undocumented immigrants alone paid $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes that same year.

Despite this considerable financial contribution, many undocumented workers will never benefit from the social programmes they help fund. This is a glaring injustice, as these workers face exploitation, discrimination, and the ever-present threat of deportation.

Trump’s racist immigration policies will worsen the economic climate, particularly for immigrant communities who are facing financial hardships. Now they will be striving to survive in an uncertain, fear-driven, hostile political environment.

THE ‘SELF-DEPORTATION’ CRISIS

One extremely troubling consequence of Trump’s racist and xenophobic immigration rhetoric is the growing phenomenon of ‘self-deportation’. Immigrants from poorer countries are already fleeing the US for more welcoming nations like Canada, where immigration policies are less punitive.

However, this exodus is not without significant consequences. The loss of immigrant labour – especially in jobs on which Americans have become increasingly dependent, such as construction and other essential services – will strain the US economy.

It’s not just immigrants from countries such as Jamaica that stand to suffer. Racist white Americans who welcomed Trump and his anti-immigration rhetoric will have a rude re-awakening!

These are critical questions that they will now have to answer:

• Who will take care of the elderly?

• Who will clean their homes?

• Who will care for their children?

• Who will provide construction and other essential labour services?

• Who will provide essential agricultural labour?

These answers will become more pressing as Trump’s immigrations policies begin to bite and push undocumented workers out of America.

THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MOBILISATION

A critical challenge that we face today, in the black diaspora, is the lack of adequate political representation for immigrants.

Why is it that people in the black diaspora are not politically organised?

There are over two million Jamaicans living in America. Why is there no assertive impact on political power?

While Kamala Harris’ candidacy for president was a step forward, more members of the diaspora must actively pursue political office at the state and national levels. Why aren’t more Jamaicans and other black immigrants running for office or pushing for policies that address the needs of their communities?

To create meaningful change, we must look inward and build solidarity within the black immigrant community.

• We cannot continue to approach politics from a place of fear or appeasement, where every action is designed to gain favour with the dominant white political establishment.

• We must urgently organise, mobilise, and elect representatives who will fight for our interests and create policies that directly benefit our communities.

SEIZING OPPORTUNITY AMID CRISIS

Although the current political climate may seem harsh, history shows that crisis often breeds opportunity. Trump’s rhetoric and policies may seem overwhelming, but they are not permanent.

As Marcus Garvey famously said:

“Take advantage of every opportunity

Where there is none make it for yourself!”

The key question is: Are we able to boldly meet this challenge?

My dear friends, rather than waiting passively for change, we must actively seek opportunities to rise. Immigrants, particularly those from the black diaspora, have the potential to transform the political landscape. By building political power, organising, and pushing for policies that reflect our needs, we can shape a future that works for everyone.

The time is now for black immigrants to break free from the “Black skin, white mask” mentality – one that seeks to appease the dominant white political structure.

As we face the uncertain days ahead, let us take a page from Garvey’s book: seize the opportunity, rise above adversity, and ensure that our voices are heard in every corner of the political arena.

A CALL TO ACTION

This is a call for action. Where is our assertive political willpower? If we do not stand for something, we will die for nothing.

Real change will not come from waiting for someone else to fix our problems. It will come from within our own communities, by electing leaders who will prioritise our needs and demands.

That is just the ‘bitta’ truth.

Norris McDonald is an economic journalist, political analyst, and respiratory therapist. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and miaminorris@yahoo.com.