President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside as the Democratic presidential candidate has sparked significant concerns among business leaders along the U.S.-Mexico border and pro-migrant advocates.
Business owners and migrants fear major changes in immigration and economic policies if Donald Trump returns to power.
Key concerns over how this decision could have an impact:
Impact on immigration policies:
José María García Lara of the Tijuana Migrant Alliance warns that a potential Donald Trump victory could lead to drastic changes in immigration policies, particularly affecting migrants seeking to cross the border legally. Programs like CBP-One could be at risk, complicating migrants’ access to the United States.
Economic uncertainty:
Thor Salayandía of the Border Business Bloc in Ciudad Juárez highlights that Biden’s withdrawal increases economic uncertainty along the border and for Mexico’s economy. The possibility of Trump returning to power could bring policies that impact trade and investment, especially with recent statements about restrictions on Asian companies in Mexico.
Effects on the USMCA and ‘nearshoring’:
During his previous administration, Trump renegotiated the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which could have negative consequences for Mexico’s economy if restrictive trade policies are reintroduced. ‘Nearshoring,’ a key trend for relocating businesses to Mexico, could be affected by the lack of certainty and potential tariffs under a renewed Trump administration.
Business concerns:
The Border Business Bloc report underscores the significant job losses in the maquiladora industry in border cities like Ciudad Juárez, partly attributed to economic uncertainty driven by past trade policies and the threat of future policies under Trump.
In summary, Biden’s withdrawal and the possibility of Trump returning to the U.S. presidency raise concerns for both immigration policies and economic stability along the border and in Mexico overall. Political and trade uncertainty could significantly influence business decisions and the situation of migrants in the border region.
Image: DiarioNY
